Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum
4.5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Milwaukee Art Museum is an essential destination for art and architecture and a vital cultural resource that connects visitors to dynamic art experiences and one another. Housed in iconic buildings by Santiago Calatrava, Eero Saarinen, and David Kahler on a 24-acre lakefront campus, the Museum is Wisconsin’s largest arts institution and home to collections spanning from antiquity to the present. A bold symbol of Milwaukee’s ambition and forward-thinking vision, the Museum is a place for community building, education, and celebration, that fosters creativity and critical discourse for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. For more information, visit mam.org.
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- tarit1979Gurugram (Gurgaon), India247 contributionsGood Art MuseumFirst of all the building architecture itself is great with the shape of a ship in harbor. Inside there are art pieces dedicated to all kinds of paintings, sculptures and even modern industrial design. It is a very good learning experience and also informative. There is an art studio inside where kids can engage in art and craft and it is quite engaging for them for at least an hour.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2024
- Susan TMount Pleasant, Wisconsin598 contributionsOne of the most beautiful art museumsOne of the most beautifully designed art museums right here along Milwaukee's scenic lakefront. We remembered that the sunburst colors of the Chihuly wasn't in the main lobby. We asked someone who works in the gift store and she told us where to find it (it's near the east entrance). The gift store has some fascinating artsy stuff.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 May 2024
- M CChicago, Illinois46 contributionsPleasant SurpriseWe visited the Milwaukee Art Museum in May with the family, and we were very pleasantly surprised by not only collections but also extremely nice people who guided us through multiple floors. The first impression of the building outside on the shores of Lake Michigan took our breaths away a bit, and everything that followed was equally great. Due to an interesting mix of collections, it is a great place to visit with children as they will most likely not get bored. Highly recommend it and also strongly suggest venturing outside to walk around beautiful grounds.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 June 2024
- Melissa F16 contributionsBeautiful museum!Beautiful museum inside and out. We spent about two and a half hours enjoying the museum. We had other plans for the day so we had to leave, but we could have spent another 2 hours exploring this beautiful property. We highly recommend this to families with older children.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2024
- MichaelTheWandererChicago, Illinois147 contributionsTime your visit to see the building "wings" flap open and close -- what a sight!The museum itself is a piece of art. It has an eclectic collection. We also enjoyed the special exhibition for Idris Kahn, Repeat After Me. That is included in the cost of the museum ticket. HINT #1: The exterior wings of the museum actually operate. Yes, they open and close. You have three opportunities to see the wings operate: 1. Opening time, when the wings open 2. Noon, when the wings flap (close and reopen) 3. Closing time, when the wings close Read about it on the museum website, searching for Burke Brise Soleil. There are also videos showing this online, but it is best to see in person. You can view from inside or outside. We think it is more impressive to view from the outside. HINT #2: While you are in the area, also walk next door to see the Milwaukee War Memorial. There is no charge, it is also a piece of architecture history (like the Art Museum), and it is worth a brief visit.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2024
- Andrey NFlower Mound, Texas4,260 contributionsMilwaukee Art MuseumThis museum is amazing! It has so many exhibits and a wide variety of art on display. The building itself is very cool. Gorgeous views of the lake. On a good day there are places to sit out by the lake and a lake shore walk. If you are museum lover or not, art lover or not, this is a place you are going to want to visit.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 August 2024
- Joyce J197 contributionsAwesome Miwaukee Art MuseumThe Milwaukee Art Museum is a wonderful place to go. Since I have been to many art museums in my lifetime, I had originally not planned to go in since my time in Milwaukee was limited. However, I'm so glad I went. I loved the huge variety of artwork on display which included many furniture items as well. I spent 2 hours there and still didn't see everything. I just wish there was a less expensive parking option.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 September 2024
- scott rSilver Spring, Maryland779 contributionsWidely varied collection, only ding is expense + parking tooFairly expansive collection and includes quite an assemblage of decorative arts (particularly furniture), remarkable building design. Easily navigated, and larger than it looks. Attractive setting and grounds. The negative is price - it isn't all that far off Art Institute of Chicago - which boasts a grand and impressive collection of Impressionists and 'name' artists in American, other European art, etc. This collection isn't quite at that level (though it isn't weak), and frankly the price should reflect that. But certainly worth seeing while in the city.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 5 September 2024
- Rhonda S46 contributionsWide variety of exhibits in beautiful building/locationI'm not a huge art fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. There's such a wide variety of art that everyone should be able to find something they enjoy. i.e. furniture with artistic carvings, handmade toys, woodwork, metal clocks, as well as all the paintings. I enjoy Georgia O'Keefe paintings, and they had several there. The building is beautiful as well and is located right on Lake Michigan. Admission is fairly steep for adults, but they are a North American Reciprocal Museum, so I was able to get in free since I have a membership at another museum. I went during the week and was able to get free 3-hour street parking on Lincoln Memorial Drive. There is also parking at the War Memorial Center, which is just north of the Art Museum. Their rates seem to compare with the parking garages, but proceeds go toward the War Memorial Center.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 24 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2 813 reviews
Excellent
2 069
Very good
593
Average
112
Poor
28
Terrible
11
caseymorgan
Tierra Verde, FL5 599 contributions
Sept 2021
It is a unique building right on the water with great architecture, but overall we had a disappointing visit. The actual art was poorly curated and most of the modern art was laughable. We went last Saturday at 11am during beautiful fall weather and the place was almost disserted. Face diapers were required even though everyone is vaccinated and there was tons of social distancing. No one seemed to know why the "wings" didn't flap at noon. Someone in the gift shop said "they use any breeze as an excuse not to work them." It's worth an hour to see the atrium and walk through, but don't expect significant art pieces.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz121
Wisconsin889 contributions
Jan 2020
We specifically went to the Art Museum on New Year's Day to watch the roof open up at noon. (There are regularly scheduled times for opening/closing the roof.) The whole process takes only about 5 minutes but it was well worth watching. The bright white of the building up against the blue sky was an impressive sight. Glad we stopped while in the area.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred137Ost
Skokie, IL15 contributions
Dec 2019
There is a great deal interesting artwork at this museum. The most unique thing, though, is Santiago Calatrava's Brise Soleil, an outdoor moveable scuplture. Around noon every day (or maybe just several days a week) the "wings" of the sculpture open and close. The entire "show" lasts around 15 minutes. It is well worth seeing. It was a clear and sunny day when I was there.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela B.
Menomonee Falls, WI231 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Museum lover or not, art lover or not, this is a place you are going to want to visit.
For museum and art lovers, there's the entire museum. For the people going with them, there is the museum's café!
Café Calatrava has a breathtaking view that you will enjoy when taking a break in between exhibits or waiting and/or hanging out.
I visited the museum right before the contingency started and it was a delight to learn more about the history of Milwaukee through a special exhibit like "Portraits of Milwaukee". I'm certainly looking forward to coming back one life goes back to normal.
For museum and art lovers, there's the entire museum. For the people going with them, there is the museum's café!
Café Calatrava has a breathtaking view that you will enjoy when taking a break in between exhibits or waiting and/or hanging out.
I visited the museum right before the contingency started and it was a delight to learn more about the history of Milwaukee through a special exhibit like "Portraits of Milwaukee". I'm certainly looking forward to coming back one life goes back to normal.
Written 11 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Genevieve K
327 contributions
Jul 2020
This first class art museum has made every accommodation to keep visitors safe during the pandemic and still have a great experience. While only the first floor is open, they've added some great pieces from the second floor AND I think you'll find that you see the works with a more focused eye because of the limited works. At least, that is what I discovered. Check out their website to get a timed ticket and read about the changes because of COVID19 and I think you'll feel satisfied that they are taking every precaution. This is too wonderful a place to miss. And they've made a audio tour just for this changed experience which I'll definitely download on my next visit.
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Genevieve K
327 contributions
Apr 2022
The Art Museum is almost back to full force and it is as extraordinary as ever. The first weekend in April was the Art in Bloom which was all sold out for 2022 but DEFINITELY worth putting on your calendar for 2023. It is just SO delightful at that time of year and the creativity of ALL the florists is worth the price of the ticket. Cafe Calatrava is a little scaled back with only sandwiches, salad or soup but it's still the best view in the city and our lunch was excellent - the specialty coffees and teas really enhanced our meal choices. I keep coming back and I'm never disappointed.
Written 9 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana O
Chicago, IL98 contributions
Oct 2020
In terms of building design, this is thus far, our favorite museum. Love the art too.
Here 5 years ago and about half of the exhibits are new, the rest must be more permanent installations. My beef is the the snidely attitude of the staff. During covid, you would think that they would be nice to the limited number of visitors? Really guys, consider smoothing out the attitude. You are open to the public, try to be NICE to them, not treat them like they are a monumental disturbance to your day. Not talking about one altercation, but the over-all negative attitude that was prevalent in many of the employees here-wondering, maybe they are all volunteers, and not paid? Is that a possibility?
Here 5 years ago and about half of the exhibits are new, the rest must be more permanent installations. My beef is the the snidely attitude of the staff. During covid, you would think that they would be nice to the limited number of visitors? Really guys, consider smoothing out the attitude. You are open to the public, try to be NICE to them, not treat them like they are a monumental disturbance to your day. Not talking about one altercation, but the over-all negative attitude that was prevalent in many of the employees here-wondering, maybe they are all volunteers, and not paid? Is that a possibility?
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirstin D.
Port Huron, MI470 contributions
Nov 2019
I love this museum and its variety. Mostly collections given by leading citizens of Milwaukee. The shops are excellent. The levels of art range from beautiful old masters to solid modern works, and a very special collection of folk art and naive art. The views out over Lake Michigan are beautiful, and there are greats walks just steps away. I have always had good luck with street patking, tho there is an underground parking ramp as well. The Calatrava wings and addition are exhuberant and delightful. Even just getting into the lobby and sitting in that Calatrava Lobby is a joy. Plus there is a small coffee shop full of light and lake views. But the art is the real deal. A really special inspiring collection.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty K
Westfield83 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Spent the day here with grandkids. They have an art studio for children with various projects they can do. Very nice staff to help the kids.
The museum has a good selection of art including a nice range from contemporary to European and American. The museum is well laid out and easy to navigate the various collections.
The building itself is stunning and beautifully designed.
A day trip is worth it. Will visit again.
The museum has a good selection of art including a nice range from contemporary to European and American. The museum is well laid out and easy to navigate the various collections.
The building itself is stunning and beautifully designed.
A day trip is worth it. Will visit again.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty
2 930 contributions
Oct 2021
They have tons of amazing artworks on displays. The collections are world class. We easily spent 5 hours there. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. The building itself is gorgeous inside and outside.
Tickets are purchased on-line and they are timed admission. We easily received our tickets for the next hour.
Our only disappointment was in the Windhover Hall. It was empty and we had a great opportunity to take a nice picture and then the security guard decided to walk in and purposely stand right in the middle by the windows. He knew what he was doing and kept dancing around (best place should have been to the side and watch people).
Tickets are purchased on-line and they are timed admission. We easily received our tickets for the next hour.
Our only disappointment was in the Windhover Hall. It was empty and we had a great opportunity to take a nice picture and then the security guard decided to walk in and purposely stand right in the middle by the windows. He knew what he was doing and kept dancing around (best place should have been to the side and watch people).
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to get tickets in advance or can you buy them when you get there?
Written 14 April 2022
From where do you watch the opening or flopping of the wings, inside or the outside of the museum?
Written 15 October 2018
Outside on the bridge between the museum and the parking garage across the street is the best location.
Written 16 October 2018
From where do you watch the opening or flopping of the wings, inside or the outside of the museum?
Written 15 October 2018
I suggest outside. There are many vantage points. Across the street in the parking garage. At the restaurant nearby (Harbor House).
Written 17 October 2018
If you don't mind a very pleasant Milwaukee walk, you wouldn't have to. However, it is an option.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I just saw your question now.
Written 6 November 2018
How long would you typically spend here? In other museums, my husband and I will typically spend 2-3 hours for small ones and 3-4 for large ones. How does this compare in size?
Written 10 August 2018
it is significantly smaller than art museums in large cities like the Met in NYC, the Chicago Art Institute and the National Gallery in DC and also smaller than those in comparably-sized cities like Cleveland and Kansas City. Also, the collection is not comprehensive (no classical, Renaissance or art from outside Europe/America) and is heavily concentrated in modern and contemporary art. If you like that kind of art, you may spend longer, but if not, you won’t spend as long as you otherwise would at an art museum. You’ll be able to see a lot of it in under 3 hours.
Written 10 August 2018
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