Harley-Davidson kicks off construction of Its museum

Harley-Davidson kicks off construction of Its museum

http://www.gizmag.co.uk/go/5703/

June 4, 2006 There are few (we actually can’t think of any) companies on
the planet which engender greater customer loyalty than Harley-Davidson.
How many other company logos do you see tattooed on the customer's arms,
chests and girlfriend’s bottoms? So there's likely to be a new "Mecca"
for Harley enthusiasts in the near future as Harley officially launched
construction of the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee this week with a
groundbreaking ceremony that kicked up more than just a little dirt.

Held on the future Museum grounds, the groundbreaking was accomplished
in a truly unique Harley-Davidson style: by setting aside the
traditional golden shovel and instead, literally "breaking the ground"
with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. At the designated moment, legendary
Harley-Davidson dirt track racer Scott Parker dropped the clutch of an
XL 883R Sportster performing a burnout and sending the dirt flying off
the spinning rear tire.

Transport museums have featured several times recently with Porsche,
Mercedes and Ferrari all creating masterpieces in which to house their
finest. Harley, with more than 100 years of such rich and colourful
history, the museum will no doubt draw visitors locally and from
throughout the world to experience the people, products, culture and
history of Harley-Davidson.

The Museum will also be a place where visitors from near and far can
meet, share stories and enjoy the green spaces adjacent to the edge of
the Menomonee River.

"The Harley-Davidson Museum will showcase the unforgettable collection
of motorcycles and historical items from our Company's vast archives,"
said Stacey Watson, Harley-Davidson Museum director. "But even more
importantly, it will celebrate the history of the Company, the passion
of the riders, and the stories of the employees, dealers, and suppliers.
These varied and fascinating stories are woven into the fabric of
Harley-Davidson, shaping the legend and setting the stage for a bright
future."

Anticipated to open in 2008, the 130,000 square foot Museum development
will feature exhibit space as well as a restaurant, cafe, retail shop,
meeting space, special events facilities and the Company's Archives.

The plan for the Harley-Davidson Museum and its site incorporates
striking urban design elements and engages the surrounding water and
green spaces. It unites the city center with the Menomonee Valley,
reflecting the industrial heritage of the area and of Harley-Davidson.

"The Harley-Davidson Museum will offer an experience that will appeal to
all visitors including both motorcycle enthusiasts and non-riders
alike," said Watson.


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Captions [including spelling errors!] and addresses of article's images:

Setting aside the traditional golden shovel and instead, literally
"breaking the ground" with a Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster
motorcycle. Legendary Harley-Davidson dirt track racer, Scott Parker,
performed a burnout, sending the dirt flying at the Har
http://www.gizmag.co.uk/watermark.php?p=5703_3060613530.jpg

Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer Wilie G.
Davidson and his wife Nancy fill ceremonial key chains with dirt from
the Harley-Davidson Museum groundbreaking ceremony.
http://www.gizmag.co.uk/watermark.php?p=5703_3060613549.jpg

An artict's impression of the future museum
http://www.gizmag.co.uk/watermark.php?p=5703_3060613612.jpg

An artict's impression of the future museum
http://www.gizmag.co.uk/watermark.php?p=5703_3060613603.jpg