Milwaukee Art Museum Tours

Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum featuring art and interior views
Milwaukee Art Museum featuring art and modern architecture
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum featuring art and interior views as well as a small group of people


Peruse a vast collection of classic European and American art in this gallery that is housed in a striking modern building.

Milwaukee Museum of Art can trace its roots all the way back to 1888 as the city’s first art gallery, yet its striking modern façade is one of the museum’s most compelling exhibits. The 2001 Quadracci Pavilion extension is a dramatic addition to Milwaukee’s skyline and a winner of numerous design awards. The hand-built concrete structure looks like a cross between a gothic cathedral and a ship, with arches, “wings”, and soaring glass windows.

The museum’s permanent collection contains almost 25,000 works of art from a broad range of styles and mediums dating from the 15th century to the present day. In addition to four floors and nearly 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) of gallery space, there are frequent high-profile temporary exhibitions and events, an auditorium, a study center, a library and a war memorial center. Dedicate at least three hours to really explore the building and its variety of exhibits.

The museum is acclaimed nationally for its collections of American decorative arts, German impressionism, video art and Haitian artwork. The big European names on show include Degas, Rodin, Picasso, Manet and Toulouse-Lautrec. Modern highlights include some of Andy Warhol’s finest works, and pieces by Mark Rothko and Frank Lloyd Wright.

The museum’s frequent temporary exhibitions are designed to capture the imagination of art lovers with shows from all over the world. Past events have featured vibrant animation art, abstract photography, optical art and interior design.

Budding young artists can attend a series of summer camps and drop-in art classes featuring hands-on activities, music-making and movie screenings.

Milwaukee Museum of Art is located on the shores of Lake Michigan just off Lincoln Memorial Drive, and is open every day except Mondays. Avoid paying for on-site parking by taking the bus or Amtrak, which stops about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the museum.

Plan a trip to see Milwaukee Art Museum

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Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
The Pfister Hotel

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Reviews of Milwaukee Art Museum

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
289
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
74
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
31
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We went but closed for a storm event. What we did see was excellent

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Need a least 3 hours to see all the art. There is so much to see there. We ate at the restaurant Café Calatrava that gave you a great view of the lake watched the sailboats, people walking the river walk etc.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Architecture and Lakefront are the highlight.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

It was priced at 18$ per person and frankly I didnt think that was worth it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

wanted to go, but bad weather caused us to leave early in the AM to keep ahead of the bad weather.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Definitely take in Milwaukee Art Museum and try to be there at noon when, weather permitting, the “wings” of the museum building “flap” to music.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Milwaukee Art Museum

The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The Pfister Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

3 out of 5
700 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

4 out of 5
333 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

4 out of 5
139 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
The Westin Milwaukee

The Westin Milwaukee

4 out of 5
550 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee, WI
The Westin Milwaukee
The Knickerbocker on the Lake

The Knickerbocker on the Lake

3 out of 5
1028 East Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
The Knickerbocker on the Lake
Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
525 N Jefferson Street, Milwaukee, WI
Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee Downtown by IHG
The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
1007 N Cass Street, Milwaukee, WI
The Plaza Hotel
The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel

4 out of 5
500 W Florida Street, Milwaukee, WI
The Iron Horse Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Milwaukee Art Museum

Explore the vibrant cultural scene surrounding the Milwaukee Art Museum, where art enthusiasts can enjoy various art exhibits, interactive photo tours, and local festivals. The museum is also conveniently located near other attractions and museums in Milwaukee, making it an ideal destination for art lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the city's dynamic artistic community and lively live music events.

Shopping

Visit the Milwaukee Public Market, only 0.6 miles from the Milwaukee Art Museum, for a vibrant local shopping experience. The Shops of Grand Avenue, 0.9 miles away, offers entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out West Allis Farmers Market, located 5 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at American Family Field, just 4 miles away, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere. Enjoy live music at Henry W. Maier Festival Park, only 0.9 miles from the museum. For relaxation, unwind at Lakefront Park, located 3 miles away, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Milwaukee Mile, located 6 miles away, perfect for adrenaline junkies. For family fun, visit the David F. Schulz Aquatic Center, 5 miles away, featuring exciting water slides and attractions. Enjoy the great outdoors on the Milwaukee River Bike Trail, situated 7 miles away.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at the Riverside Theater, just 0.7 miles from the Milwaukee Art Museum, where culture and romance blend seamlessly. Alternatively, catch a show at the Pabst Theater, 0.6 miles away, or experience the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, also 0.7 miles from the museum, for family-friendly entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Milwaukee Art Museum

When visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture lovers and families alike. Explore nearby urban parks, history museums, and transport museums for a well-rounded experience. Don't miss the chance to enjoy downtown Milwaukee and discover its many attractions, including the art museum itself, which showcases stunning collections and exhibits that reflect the city's vibrant artistic scene.

  • Harley-Davidson Museum: Explore the rich history of one of America's most iconic brands at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Located only 1 mile from the Milwaukee Art Museum, this museum showcases stunning motorcycles, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia that celebrate the culture and spirit of freedom associated with biking.
  • Baird Center: Situated 1 mile away, the Baird Center is a versatile event and conference venue. Known for its modern facilities and business-friendly atmosphere, it hosts a variety of events, making it a hub for networking and collaboration in the heart of Milwaukee.
  • Veteran's Park: Just 0.2 miles from the Milwaukee Art Museum, Veteran's Park is a beautiful urban park perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and stunning views of Lake Michigan, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant city atmosphere.

Best time to go to Milwaukee Art Museum

The best time to visit Milwaukee Art Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Milwaukee Art Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Milwaukee Art Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February23.5°F (-4.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December29.7°F (-1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Milwaukee Art Museum

To save money during your visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, consider traveling between November and January when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations, and look for eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal for extra savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards. Don't forget to explore free activities nearby and utilize affordable public transportation to navigate the city efficiently.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Milwaukee Art Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Milwaukee Art Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Milwaukee Art Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display the lowest prices first, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can narrow down your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Milwaukee Art Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia