The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is home to a nationally recognized collection of art by self-taught artists. This project combined new construction with renovation of the existing arts center complex, including the 1882 Italianate Kohler Mansion.

The sun-filled entrance hall and lobby, together with the Carriage House Cafe and Glass House, serve as oases that orient the visitor and relieve museum fatigue. The public areas of the Center are balanced by more private, contemplative spaces, such as the Glass House, which also provides year-round viewing of the outdoor sculpture and perennial garden.

At the core of the arts center is an innovative multi-disciplinary educational and performance space that highlights the artistic process and collaboration between artists. It features exposed structural systems of large steel beams that support a wooden purlin system. This allows theatrical and exhibit lighting to be highly flexible and adaptable to a wide range of performances and installations.