Spend the Day at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Housed in a building as visually impressive as the art inside, the Milwaukee Art Museum embodies the city's creativity. We invite you to spend a day immersed in the grandeur of the space to see why Milwaukeeans and visitors return to this museum time and time again to explore four floors of over forty galleries.
Experience the Building’s Architecture
The Milwaukee Art Museum is not just a place to stroll through endless walkways of paintings and sculptures—it's a work of art itself. Renowned for its striking design by Santiago Calatrava, the museum’s Burke Brise Soleil, a movable sunscreen with wings that open and close twice daily, mimics the wings of a giant bird. This architectural marvel draws visitors from around the globe, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Milwaukee. The wings span an impressive 217 feet when open and fold down over the vaulted, glass-enclosed reception hall that offers stunning lake views.
Check Out These Must-See Exhibits
Inside, the museum's collections boast over 30,000 works of art, ranging from American decorative arts to European paintings and beyond. The layout is thoughtfully designed to cater to various interests. History buffs can peruse extensive collections of 19th-century European and American art. Not to be missed is the Layton Art Collection, featuring works by Bouguereau, Hals and Tintoretto, providing an intimate look at the masters of the craft.
The museum’s impressive collection of works by Georgia O’Keefe is also a showstopper, attracting visitors from far and wide to see her famous paintings. Here you’ll also find the largest collection of Haitian artwork outside of Haiti.
Enjoy Fun Interactive Opportunities
The museum goes beyond traditional exhibits to engage visitors of all ages with interactive fun. Children can transform themselves into a work of art with costumes inspired by works in the museum. The ArtPacks available help kids engage with the textures, shapes and colors you'll find in the galleries, and SketchPacks include sketching supplies that children can use to draw in front of works of art.
Get Your Ticket
Admission to the museum is free for kids under 12 and Wisconsin K-12 teachers, making it a fantastic family educational outing. General visitors can plan their visits around free days, which occur several times a year, so keep an eye on the calendar to see if a free day overlaps with your Milwaukee adventure. Regular ticket prices and discounts for seniors and military personnel are also available, ensuring everyone can access the museum.
Know Before You Go
To fully appreciate all the Milwaukee Art Museum offers, we recommend spending at least 2 hours here. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays. Arriving early can help you avoid the crowds, especially during busy exhibitions or special events. Don't forget to visit the museum shop for unique gifts and souvenirs!
Since the museum is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, everyone is able and welcome to explore. Plus, hungry families will find refreshments and snacks at the Museum Café.
