Blog
Art Outside the Walls – What is the Wisconsin Union Art Collection?
The Wisconsin Union Art Collection, established in the 1920s by the Wisconsin Union founders, is one of the largest art collections in Wisconsin. Today, the collection has grown to more than 2,000 pieces and continues to evolve. The foundation of the Wisconsin Union Art Collection is to “cultivate art and recognize creative endeavors by students.” This entire collection has been selected, managed and created by students’ voices and volition. Therefore, all pieces not only hold great beauty and importance but also have a direct tie to...
read moreBehind the Scenes at the Union: Student Summer Coordinator Tess Voigt
On a busy night at the Memorial Union Terrace, visitors flock from out-of-town, bands perform their crafts, and students and community members enjoy the lively lakeview ambiance. From the lighting to the sound to the food, each part of Memorial Union runs smoothly, creating a seamless dining and entertainment experience for everyone. Behind the scenes, countless staff members work to create experiences for a lifetime, the majority of whom are students. Today, we dive into one student’s involvement in particular: those of Tess Voigt, one...
read moreChilling with the Wisconsin Union
We know the Terrace during the summer can be overwhelming. With the countless activities, events and visitors, on the surface, it seems like there is never a slow moment. However, we promise there are quiet, relaxing times to enjoy our spaces. We looked into traffic information and upcoming events to help you plan your next visit accordingly. Check out what we found below! Early Morning Yoga Whether you’re comfortable on land or in the water, the Terrace and Lake Mendota will help you find your inner zen with early morning Yoga. Check out...
read moreMaking Bluegrass Waves at Lakefront Live: The Material Boys
It’s officially Summer by the Lake at the Terrace, and Outdoor UW and the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music are collaborating to turn the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage towards Lake Mendota for Lakefront Live on July 11. This unique setup promises to be a “holiday” you won’t forget, with music resonating over the water, creating an incredible summer evening. Meet the Band: The Material Boys You may have heard of “Material Girl” performed by Madonna, but let us introduce The Material Boys: guitarist and lead vocalist Alex Hohlstein,...
read moreThe Power of a Wisconsin Union Job
As we all know, the Wisconsin Union is home to a beautiful terrace, a lively theater and delicious food. However, the moving parts of this organization would not be possible without the enthusiastic and committed staff. From service to communications, the Wisconsin Union employs a total of approximately 1,800 students in all areas, offering a foundation of skills that benefit their future endeavors. Today, we dive into two past student employees’ time spent at the Wisconsin Union and how they have benefited from the guidance and...
read moreEmpowering Communities Through Art
(Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison) Open arts studio Wheelhouse Studios may be physically located in Memorial Union, but, through an impressive range of community and campus partnerships, the team is spreading its art-making well beyond Wheelhouse studio walls. From partnerships with local high schools to well-being events with University Health Services (UHS), the Wheelhouse team is using the power of art to strive to improve lives. Read on to learn more about some of our exciting community partnerships Wheelhouse has enjoyed in the past few...
read moreParking and All the Ways to Get to Experiences for a Lifetime
Where should we park? Have you found parking yet? Is there parking available? We know parking questions come up when you visit downtown areas, including downtown Madison where our experiences for a lifetime await you at our buildings Memorial Union, Union South, the Pyle Center and the Fluno Center as well as our markets and cafes in other spaces. That’s why we’ve got you covered with this story. Here is everything you need to know about downtown Madison and UW–Madison campus parking and travel, and we promise, parking and travel to our...
read moreBear? No. More Like a Friendly Golden Retriever.
The TV show “The Bear” has sparked conversations and news stories around the world about the toxic cultures found in far too many restaurant kitchens. The show centers on the story of an award-winning chef, who returns home to the Midwest to manage his passed brother’s sandwich shop. “The Bear” shows scenes of chefs berating colleagues, asking rhetorical questions intended to belittle them and engaging in name-calling, all with the expectation that the colleagues respond with obedience and a, “Yes, Chef.” Dishearteningly, journalists...
read moreDid You Know This About der Rathskeller?
Whether you are regular or visiting Memorial Union for the first time, der Rathskeller is a Madison classic. From live music to fresh food, the German-style beer hall will immerse you in history and art (and delicious food, of course), and you’ll quickly find out why the space, which we at the Wisconsin Union run, has been loved for decades. Here are four fun facts to impress a friend on your next visit: 1. Previously called, the Taproom. Memorial Union interior designer, Leon R. Pesheret, immediately envisioned a “German beer hall”...
read moreYour Terrace Season Bucket List
I have yet to try many Wisconsin Union adventures. Let’s make a deal; I’ll try something new this summer through the Union, and you will, too! I put together my Terrace season 2024 bucket list and am sharing it here with you! Don’t know about Terrace season? Oh, my friend, you are in for a treat: we’re talkin’ summer by the lake with free concerts, free movies and oh so much more. Don’t have a friend with a lake house? Well, now you do. Learn about Terrace season at TerraceSummer.com. 1. Paddling Rentals First on my list this...
read more