Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum Tours

Photo provided by NC Division of Tourism
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum which includes signage
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Photo provided by NC Tourism - Bill Russ
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum featuring interior views


Visit this attractive Italian Renaissance villa with elegant formal gardens and an eclectic collection of paintings and decorative art works.

Following a trip to Europe in the 1920s, wealthy local Lloyd R. Smith decided to give downtown Milwaukee an Italian flavor. He built a sumptuous Italian Renaissance villa surrounded by formal landscaping and water features on the edge of Lake Michigan. Today, Villa Terrace, which was donated to Milwaukee County in 1966, is home to one of the city’s finest collections of decorative arts.

The villa houses an eclectic range of art. You can admire impressive German, French and American landscape paintings dating from the 17th century in the Great Hall. A major highlight is the Cyril Colnik Collection, detailing the life and work of the eminent local artisan blacksmith. There are over 200 pieces in cast and wrought iron, along with personal effects, photographs and tools. Throughout the building, there are elaborately painted ceilings and old English wood paneling.

There are often a number of temporary exhibitions on display showcasing contemporary local and American talent. Expect anything from ceramics, sculpture and minimalist furniture design to decorative jewelry.

You can lose yourself in the sprawling Renaissance gardens of Villa Terrace. There are plenty of hidden shady spots to stop for a rest, and classical Italian sculpture dotted around the lawns. The garden is framed by wrought-iron fencing and enjoys views across Lake Michigan, making it an attractive spot for a picnic. Take in a gardening lecture or listen to jazz and classical music in the open-air courtyard.

Villa Terrace is located on North Terrace Avenue north of downtown and is open afternoons only, between Wednesday and Sunday. Give yourself around one to two hours to see the exhibits at your own pace, and at least another hour to explore the gardens.

There’s ample street parking nearby, and a bus stop three blocks away.

Plan a trip to see Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

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Hampton Inn & Suites Milwaukee Downtown
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
The Pfister Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Villa Terrace Decorative Arts 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
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
Beautiful historic home in Milwaukee’s coveted landmark lakefront neighborhood.

Beautiful historic home in Milwaukee’s coveted landmark lakefront neighborhood.

Milwaukee
Beautiful historic home in Milwaukee’s coveted landmark lakefront neighborhood.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Milwaukee

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Milwaukee

3 out of 5
1840 N 6th St, Milwaukee, WI
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Milwaukee
KB - Prospec

KB - Prospec

3 out of 5
1927 North Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
KB - Prospec
Studio apt w/ laundry + parking

Studio apt w/ laundry + parking

Milwaukee
Studio apt w/ laundry + parking
2BR apt w/ laundry + parking

2BR apt w/ laundry + parking

Milwaukee
2BR apt w/ laundry + parking
3 BR apt w/ laundry + parking

3 BR apt w/ laundry + parking

Milwaukee
3 BR apt w/ laundry + parking
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 Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

At the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided tours, engaging story time sessions, and the chance to capture memories at the photo booth. Nearby, the vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by festivals, live music, and sports events, making it a perfect spot to experience the local culture during the Museum Mile Weekend.

Shopping

The Milwaukee Public Market, located 2 miles from Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. The Shops of Grand Avenue, also 2 miles away, provide a family-friendly shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, Bayshore Town Center is 5 miles away, featuring entertainment options.

Recreation

At Fiserv Forum, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, just 2 miles from Villa Terrace. For entertainment, enjoy concerts at Henry W. Maier Festival Park, also 2 miles away. For relaxation, visit Lakefront Park, a serene spot located 3 miles from the museum.

Adventure

At Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, you can enjoy thrilling adventures nearby. Dive into fun at the David F. Schulz Aquatic Center, located 4 miles away, or play a match at the Sherman Park Tennis Center, also 4 miles away. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Milwaukee River Bike Trail is 6 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant Milwaukee nightlife with a show at Riverside Theater, just 2 miles away, perfect for family and romance. Catch a film at the nearby Oriental Theatre, only 0.3 miles away, or enjoy a cosmic experience at Manfred Olson Planetarium, located 1 mile from Villa Terrace.

Find the best attractions near Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

When visiting the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee, you'll find a rich blend of culture and family-friendly activities. Explore nearby urban parks and modern colleges, or immerse yourself in the artistic offerings at the museum itself. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking both a city experience and an appreciation for decorative arts, ensuring a memorable visit filled with inspiration and enjoyment.

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Experience the vibrant energy of a modern college campus located just 1 mile from Villa Terrace. With dynamic architecture and a diverse student body, it's a hub of innovation and learning, perfect for those seeking a taste of city life.
  • Milwaukee Art Museum: Just 1 mile away, this iconic art museum boasts stunning architecture and an impressive collection of art. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural vibes as you explore its galleries and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan.
  • Baird Center: Located 2 miles from Villa Terrace, this event and conference venue offers a professional atmosphere. Ideal for business travelers, the center hosts various events and provides a glimpse into Milwaukee's corporate culture.

Best time to go to Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

Visitor numbers around Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January22.1°F (-5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February23.5°F (-4.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December29.7°F (-1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

To save on your visit to the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, consider traveling between November and January when prices are lower. Aim for a Monday stay, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and take advantage of package deals that bundle your stay with flights and activities. Join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, read honest reviews and explore last-minute deals to ensure you get the best value for your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Villa Terrace Decorative Arts 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 Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that are both sustainable and eco-friendly. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts 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.