This place is absolutely eye candy for those who study architecture or for the layman alike. Imagined and created by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Monona Terrace Community Center is said to have been Wright's "dream civic center". The irony of this was, although Wright dreamed it in 1938- the center did not become a reality until 1992.
The building is beautiful- a semi circle of white nestled on the edge of Lake Monona. The interesting thing about the design is that since it is only 2 blocks from the Capital building- it links the Capital and the lake it sits on making them almost one unit. In true Wright style- a portion of the building extends about 90 feet over the water and has a curved wall of windows that allows visitors to see the lake in its entirety.
The meeting rooms can accommodate groups of all sizes and the food service within the Center is good.
There is also a rooftop garden that is ideal for parties. We had cocktails out there along with a jazz band one evening and it was absolutely an incredible experience as you could not only see the lake, but by turning around- you could view the Capital and downtown Madison.
The walls of the center are lined with pictures of Frank Lloyd Wright and many of his projects across the country. Guided tours are given daily at 1:00 and cost $3. There is also a small gift shop carrying Frank Lloyd Wright and Madison souvenirs.
This center is joined to the Hilton Hotel by a walkway which allows guests of the hotel attending conventions in the center to move freely between the two structures.
What was a dream in 1938, is today, a stunning tribute to the man who had the vision to dream.