In August, the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved the 2027–29 state budget request, and two capital projects rank among UW–Madison’s highest priorities.
1. Humanities Building Demolition
The UW is once again attempting to demolish the George L. Mosse Humanities Building, which has become increasingly unsustainable for use. The building, which was constructed in 1969, brought together multiple departments including art, music, and history. However, it has deteriorated over many years and has caused significant maintenance concerns.
A previous attempt to demolish the building and construct a new space was included during the 2025–27 Wisconsin State Budget cycle, with a request of $292 million in state support and private contributions to carry the project forward. The full amount was denied in the approved budget, but $5 million was provided in planning funds. This funding was intended to move the project forward and help planners determine what would be needed to relocate occupants and demolish the building.
The departments housed in the building have grown and changed, leaving campus with an overcrowded, low-functioning building. UW–Madison leaders have requested $463.5 million in the upcoming 2027–29 Wisconsin State Budget to demolish and rebuild the Mosse Humanities Building. Of this total, $416.7 million will come from state funding and $46.8 million from gifts and grants.
The departments currently housed in Humanities will be relocated during demolition and construction. The new the College of Letters & Science (L&S) building, Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall, now provides space for the Department of History’s faculty and students. The Art Department and Mead Witter School of Music plan to move into remodeled spaces — the Art Lofts and Hamel Music Center, respectively. Campus leaders have not yet determined what will occupy the space where Humanities currently stands.
The Mosse Humanities Building is an ode to its architecture, the era in which it was built, and the history of the UW. However, the building continues to deteriorate, and its inefficient space hinders progress for the university, faculty, and students.
2. Music Hall Renovation
Music Hall opened in 1878 and has served the University of Wisconsin–Madison as a hub for many different activities and events for nearly 150 years. The building has hosted academics, commencements, and classes in the arts, and it’s been a central meeting place since the university enrolled just 481 students.
In 2026, Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced a $30 million gift to support the Music Hall renovation and ongoing programming and make Music Hall the new home for the La Follette School of Public Affairs. Senator Kohl ’56, who passed away in 2023, was a U.S. senator with an unwavering commitment to productive and collaborative politics, education, and his alma mater, UW–Madison. He was a strong advocate for the La Follette School, which makes the remodeling and renaming of Music Hall a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The UW is asking for $63.2 million in the upcoming 2027–29 Wisconsin State Budget to fund further renovation and additions to Music Hall. The plans would preserve the building’s historic character while expanding its capacity, with three 60-seat classrooms, collaboration and study spaces, offices, and conference rooms. The expansion would support the school’s continued growth, particularly following the launch of a new public policy major in fall 2026.
