Free Art

Street Art

Black Cat Alley

Fans of street art will love the murals in this alleyway turned open air gallery in Milwaukee’s East Side neighborhood. Local Milwaukee artists as well as muralists from all over the world made their mark on these city walls, including internationally-renowned French artist MTO, who created one of his only murals in the United States here at Black Cat Alley in Milwaukee.

Art Event

Gallery Night and Day

The doors of galleries, restaurants, and other businesses fling open on Gallery Night & Day to showcase all types of local Milwaukee artists; from painters to photographers, sculptors to interactive artists. Attendees can “gallery hop” throughout the Historic Third Ward and other downtown neighborhoods during this free quarterly event. (It’s such a popular event that another local organization has launched Bay View Gallery Night, bringing the same artsy energy to Milwaukee’s south side.)

Free Museum

Haggerty Museum of Art

Located on the Marquette University campus, this free museum features an impressive permanent collection, an ever-changing array of exhibitions, and a full calendar of free performances, gallery talks, workshops, and more!

Architecture

Milwaukee Art Museum

The museum’s Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion is a work of art in itself, and there’s no admission necessary to admire the ultra-modern white lines and the sweeping steel “wings” of the Burke Brise Soleil sunscreen. (Tip: Weather permitting, you can see the sunscreen open at 10 a.m., flap at noon, and close at 5 p.m. when the museum closes.)

Website

Milwaukee Mural Map

Beautiful street art is popping up all over the city. With murals in every neighborhood, you’re sure to find some breathtaking art as you explore. The Milwaukee Mural Map provides an interactive map dedicated to documenting the city’s art and even features a recommended bike route for taking in the murals. Make a day of it and find your favorite wall art in the city.

Outdoor Gallery

RiverSculpture!

The 3-mile Milwaukee RiverWalk isn’t just a scenic way to get from one end of downtown to the other along the Milwaukee River. It’s also home to RiverSculpture!, an outdoor gallery that includes both permanent pieces and temporary, periodically changing installations. As you stroll along the RiverWalk you'll enjoy making new discoveries, from small, whimsical sculptures such as Gertie, the world's most celebrated duck, to sizable and striking abstract works.

Outdoor Gallery

Sculpture Milwaukee

Sculpture Milwaukee transforms Wisconsin Avenue from a downtown thoroughfare to the world’s grandest outdoor gallery. This annually curated exhibition of 20+ museum-quality sculptures can be found along the avenue from 6th Street to O’Donnell Park each summer, bringing culture and life to what’s been called Milwaukee’s historic main street. Exhibitions have featured internationally-known artists like Tony Cragg, Santiago Calatrava, Sol LeWitt, Deborah Butterfield, Robert Indiana, and more. Local businesses get in on the fun as well, with events and special offers for sculpture fans.

Art Gallery

Warehouse Art Museum | WAM

Located inside a former factory and warehouse built in 1924, The Warehouse is an amazing artistic space. Its permanent collection features 3,600 modern and contemporary works on paper, paintings, photography, and sculpture. Rotating exhibits provides visitors with unique glimpses into the worlds of varied multi-media artists. In addition to its exhibitions, The Warehouse offers captivating performances and intriguing lectures.

Hotels & Motels

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Every aspect of Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel is artistically inspired. From The Canvas rooms specially designed by artists to a vending machine stocked with local art, every detail of Saint Kate is driven by music, painting, sculpture, and design. The hotel also features multiple public gallery and exhibition spaces onsite with rotating seasonal displays from the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA), Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), and more.