Burke Brise Soleil

When weather conditions and wind speeds permit, the Burke Brise Soleil (“wings”) opens with the Museum, closes and reopens at noon, and closes again with the Museum. See Museum hours here.

Unprecedented in American architecture, the Burke Brise Soleil is a moveable sunscreen that rests on top of the Museum’s vaulted, glass-enclosed Windhover Hall. While the Burke Brise Soleil has a wingspan comparable to that of a Boeing 747-400, its two ultrasonic wind sensors automatically close the wings if the wind speed reaches 23 mph or greater. Unlike the airplane, the Museum prefers to remain on the ground.

For more information about the Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion, please visit the architecture section or watch the videos below.