SupraNet and MMoCA Partner to Power Interactive Art and Seamless Wi-Fi

Meeting the Digital Demands of a Contemporary Museum

The evolution of the museum experience is steadily evolving around the world, and Madison is no exception. Augmented reality, audience participation, and online ticketing platforms among other technology-based experiential and functional museum advances are necessitating more connectivity to the Internet for cultural institutions.

At the intersection of art and technology, contemporary artists and art museums are reimagining how audiences engage with creative work. For the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), digital connectivity isn’t just infrastructure, it’s part of the experience.

SupraNet’s tech support team has seen growing demand across creative venues for stronger, smarter guest Wi-Fi. From on-site donations and online ticket portals to mobile-accessible artist statements and interactive experiences, reliable connectivity helps MMoCA serve the public in exciting new ways.

“Contemporary art connects us with the world around us. Through MMoCA’s partnership with SupraNet, that connection is now faster and more accessible.”

Paul Baker-Prindle, Gabriele Haberland Director of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

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By partnering with SupraNet, MMoCA gained more than just fast Internet. They acquired a totally tailored full-network remodel that supports evolving artistic expression and public interaction, not to mention the nuts and bolts of the organization. Their comprehensive network now includes: 

• SupraNet Fiber Internet connection
• Managed Wi-Fi
• Guest Wi-Fi
• Staff Wi-Fi 
• Associated Hardware
• Level 2 Technical Support

Network Integration with:

• HVAC
• Security Cameras

Digital Additions in Action

By upgrading access points throughout the museum, MMoCA can easily offer multiple voices and perspectives, providing new dimensions to exhibitions. For example, during the 2025 Wisconsin Triennial, on view May 2 – September 14, 2025,  MMoCA offered audio reflections from local politicians, poets, and art historians, all accessible via QR codes placed alongside the artwork. This is just one example of how reliable connectivity transforms passive viewing into interactive engagement.

Preparing for the Future of Interactive Art

As technology becomes more integral and intertwined in our lives, it makes sense that artists consider new mediums that are supported by new technologies — as they did with photography and video during the last two centuries. MMoCA and SupraNet are looking ahead and preparing for this evolution in the not-so-distant future. 

“In the year ahead, MMoCA is featuring a digital artist whose installation evolves in real time through input from visitors and AI technology. Projects of this scale depend on robust connectivity and are made possible through SupraNet’s commitment to the arts,” said Baker Prindle. 

From behind the scenes to the front of house, SupraNet’s infrastructure is helping MMoCA push creative boundaries while keeping the experience smooth, secure, and accessible for all.

Smart Design Meets Practical Infrastructure

Building a high-performing network in an art museum requires more than just good Wi-Fi. It requires smart, thoughtful integration into an existing space. Here’s how our team made it happen:

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

To keep costs down and minimize disruption, our team took advantage of existing wall jacks throughout the building. We sourced the right hardware to work with these legacy connection points, ensuring strong performance without the unnecessary expense of running new cables.

Adapting to Movable Walls

Prior to the recent tech additions, the main gallery in the museum did not have any access points. One unique challenge we considered when adding these are the large, moveable walls that allow for reconfigurations of the space for exhibitions. Walls can block, absorb and reflect signals, creating a frustrating experience. Luckily, the existing cabling was strategically placed with this in mind so we utilized the existing wall jacks and installed a Unifi Pro 7 s on each side of the room. This ensures coverage remains consistent, no matter how the gallery is configured.

Enhancing Connectivity in High-Use and Event Areas

We installed three access points in the Auditorium which often hosts lectures, screenings, and special events. This space sees higher simultaneous usage than other areas, so it was important to ensure reliable bandwidth for 50+ users at a time. We also added 1 AP to the digital gallery, 1 Access Point in the Roof-Top Lounge, and 1 on the Roof top garden.

Enhancing the Staff Network

MMoCA’s staff network also received an upgrade. We enhanced the staff Wi-Fi with a separate, secure network, improving reliability and making day-to-day operations smoother for curators, educators, and administrative staff alike. We ensured that employees remain connected to the staff network both in the office and throughout the galleries, archives and other workspaces.

Paul Baker-Prindle, Gabriele Haberland Director of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

A Smarter, More Connected Space

Before SupraNet Partnership

• Lack of comprehensive network plan
• Multiple vendors managing different network functions
• Absence of guest network throughout entire museum including event spaces
• Underutilized cabling infrastructure throughout building
• Employees unable to conduct business on staff network outside office suite
• Reliance on printed materials for exhibit and artist information
• Inability to exhibit digitally-dependent interactive exhibits and artworks reliably
• Unable to accept digital event tickets throughout museum dependably

After SupraNet Upgrade

• Strategic and comprehensive  network plan for entire organization
• Local, expert-managed network, from Wi-Fi to HVAC
• Wi-Fi access points installed throughout galleries, cost-effectively installed by utilizing existing wall jacks
• Free, strong, stable guest Wi-Fi network available throughout galleries, public spaces, and event spaces
• Ability for employees to work throughout the museum with stabilized and expanded staff network
• Opportunity to implement more technological-advanced ticketing systems, donation platforms, and interactive exhibits and information.

With a dedicated guest Wi-Fi network and enhanced internal infrastructure, the museum can now:

• Support immersive digital and AI-driven art installations
• Provide strong, reliable connectivity during special events and community programs
• Accept on-site donations quickly and securely
• Check In guests more reliably and efficiently at digital ticketed events.
• Share exhibit information and artist statements digitally — reducing printing costs and increasing accessibility
• Empower staff with improved network reliability across all departments

The SupraNet Difference

Brian Olson, SupraNet’s network engineer, worked closely with MMoCA staff to design a solution that fits the museum’s unique layout and operational needs while staying cost-effective and scalable. Whether it’s loading interactive media, supporting high-volume events, or ensuring a solid signal through movable walls, this network works.

We’re proud to sponsor the technology that helps MMoCA move beyond the limits of traditional exhibitions — and bring more people into the experience.