About Us

History & Mission of the Gallery


The History


Launched in 2016, The Automobile Gallery occupies a building that was home to Denil Cadillac, a historic and prestigious Green Bay dealership between 1958 and 1997. The once gleaming, state-of-the-art dealership building was briefly used as a municipal storage garage. It then sat empty and abandoned for nearly two decades until William “Red” Lewis, a Green Bay native and innovative entrepreneur, was inspired to convert the deteriorating building into a gallery for automobiles that integrated event and meeting spaces. With his vision in mind, Somerville Architects & Engineers of Green Bay breathed new life into the building, preserving the facade of the dealership while creating a graceful, contemporary gallery and event space.

Many of the automobiles themselves have come from a private collection, but most of them have been donated to The Automobile Gallery, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment and enrichment of its visitors and the community.

Our Mission


The Automobile Gallery serves as a unique vehicle to reach each individual’s destination. It rekindles memories from the past and provides a roadmap to dream, believe and achieve for the future.

The Automobile Gallery is Driven…

  • To provide a cutting-edge facility where the “automobile is the art,” allowing the opportunity to view a wide range of automotive excellence.
  • To enhance the knowledge of the general public regarding the engineering, design, development, construction, and history of the automobiles on display.
  • To promote the restoration, preservation, and appreciation of the automobile’s contribution to society.
  • To share our passion for automobiles with others by opening our doors to the community.
  • To offer a unique atmosphere for private and public events where the art of the automobiles will create memories that will last a lifetime.

A VISION TO REVITALIZE


The Redesign Of An Icon

In choosing this location, The Automobile Gallery revived the automobile heritage of 400 South Adams Street in Green Bay. The location had previously been the original Denil Cadillac dealership, a local landmark, from 1958 to 1997.  It was here where Joseph G. Denil envisioned a state-of-the-art facility of glass and stone for his Cadillac dealership. The building was completed in 1959 and was so advanced that General Motors used Denil Cadillac as the model for Cadillac dealerships throughout the United States. Many awards followed including recognition by General Motors as one of the Top 10 Cadillac Dealerships in the nation.

Denil Cadillac and the historic building set the standard for General Motors for nearly 40 years. Prior to its closing in 1997, it was the last remaining car dealership in downtown Green Bay.

Approaching from the south, The Automobile Gallery and its surrounding neighborhood is a gateway to Green Bay’s downtown. This magnificently renovated building with gleaming restored vehicles on display both inside and outside turns heads and has brought Green Bay recognition for automobile collectors and enthusiasts far and near.

Mike Borlee, Board President
Entrepreneur and Business Coach

Rebecca Lewis, Board Vice President
R. Lewis Technologies, Inc. – President/Owner

Barb Gilling, Board Treasurer
PDQ Car Wash – Chief Financial Officer

Bob Rupp
Leadership Resources of Wisconsin, LLC – Owner

Doug LaViolette
The LaViolette Group – Founder

Paul Belschner
Base Companies – President & CEO

Dave Dewick
Hager, Dewick, Zuengler, S.C. – Attorney

Raymond Shackelford
Phase III Service Center – General Manager

Dale Besson
Entrepreneur and Master Car Collector

Joe Draves
Bay Industries – Division Manager

Doug Mueller
Entrepreneur

Board of Directors


William “Red” Lewis
Founder

Joined by their love for community, cars, and history this group of esteemed professionals thoughtfully guides and propels The Automobile Gallery’s mission to make a difference in the communities it serves.

The Future

Through the continued generosity of memberships, donations, admissions and event income, The Automobile Gallery will thrive for generations to come as one of the finest galleries of its kind. Please consider becoming a member of The Automobile Gallery to help support its mission. Various membership types are available on an annual basis including Individual & Family Memberships and Corporate Sponsorships.

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the automobile gallery logo in footer

The Automobile is the Art

Quick Links

Gallery Hours

Mon:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Tue:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Wed:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Thu:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Fri:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sat:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sun:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Please Call ahead of time – Hours subject to change

Contact Information

The Automobile Gallery & Event Center
400 S Adams Street
Green Bay, WI 54301

Phone: 920-437-9024

© 2024 By  The Automobile Gallery. All Rights Reserved.

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