Welcome to the Center for Design & Material Culture! The center is located just off the main lobby on the first floor of Nancy Nicholas Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The Ruth Davis Design Gallery and Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery are open to the public and always free. The Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection is free and open by appointment.
Quick Links
Parking & Transportation
Parking:
The Center for Design and Material Culture is located in Nancy Nicholas Hall on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Paid parking is available on a first come basis. The lots closest to Nancy Nicholas Hall are lots 20, 27, and 36. Check the UW–Madison Visitor Parking website for live updates on parking availability.
Bus:
There are three Madison Metro bus stops on Linden Drive near Nancy Nicholas Hall. Service on Madison Metro routes 80, 81, 82 & 84 is free to all riders.
Class & Group Visits
Visits to the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection:
Objects from the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection are regularly on display in the Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery during open gallery hours. Group and research visits to study objects from storage are welcome on a first come basis, with priority given to UW classes and scholars. Please complete the form below and a staff member will be in touch.
Exhibition Tours:
To request a tour of our exhibitions with a center staff member, please complete the form below. Priority is given to classes and student groups. We ask that requests be at least two weeks before your preferred visit date.