5 Reasons to Take In the Milwaukee Art Museum

Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan in the energetic city of Milwaukee sits a stunning building that holds a unique cultural and educational experience like no other: The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM). Many people don’t realize that this iconic Wisconsin museum is one of the largest in the country. Whether you are a Milwaukee native or you are planning to visit, MAM has something for everyone. Here are our top five reasons to check out the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The Spectacular Venue

You won’t find another building in Milwaukee, or elsewhere, quite like this one. The Quadracci Pavilion, a sculptural addition to the museum, was designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The crown jewel of this unique structure is the Burke Brise Soleil, often referred to as “the wings,” which sit atop Windhover Hall. The wings have a 217-foot wingspan and they open and close three to four times per day, weather permitting. Make it a point to watch this process when you visit!

The Diverse Art Collection

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s collection is vast, with more than 32,000 pieces that include paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles, installation art, and more. The museum is famous for its impressive collection of works by American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, a Wisconsin native. Within the spacious galleries, you can also find pieces by Picasso, Monet, Homer, Degas, and Warhol. MAM’s permanent collection features everything from modern art to folk art with works dating from as far back as ancient Egypt and Rome to the present.

Fun for the Whole Family

The Kohl’s Art Studio at MAM provides fun virtual and outdoor art activities for kids. It’s a great way to get them excited about the museum and art in general. These hands-on activities include art-making and live programming for all ages. The best part about visiting the museum with your family? Kids 12 and under are free every day, and so are Wisconsin K-12 teachers with a valid ID.

Want to stay connected with the museum even when you can’t be there? Check out MAM’s Play Date With Art, a virtual online program for kids 5 and younger. New content is available monthly and includes art, music, and fun, interactive projects.

The Lake Views

Did we mention MAM’s lakefront location and amazing views of the bay from both inside and outside the museum? This is arguably the best spot in the city to take in views of the lake. The museum’s east lawn is a perfect spot for a picnic, and in the summer months, Lakeside at MAM includes free, outdoor activities and entertainment for visitors.

The Special Exhibits

The ever-changing and diverse exhibitions offered at the Milwaukee Art Museum never fail to impress. Current exhibitions include Americans in Spain: Painting and Travel, The Quilts of Pauline Parker, and American Memory: Commemoration, Nostalgia, and Revision. All exhibitions are included in the cost of admission. And if you want to see works of art that you won’t find in the gallery, you can check out MAM’s offering of virtual exhibitions. These interactive experiences are available online. Visit mam.org/exhibitions to see the full list of past, current and upcoming exhibitions.

There are a lot of must-see items on the list of Milwaukee highlights, but perhaps none of them is as spectacular as the Milwaukee Art Museum. From breathtaking views to a world-class collection of art, you are sure to find something unexpected in the airy galleries and sprawling lawns of this beautiful and unique venue.

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