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Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee Art Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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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  • tarit1979
    Gurugram (Gurgaon), India246 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good Art Museum
    First 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 30, 2024
  • Susan T
    Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin605 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the most beautiful art museums
    One 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 17, 2024
  • M C
    Chicago, Illinois46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pleasant Surprise
    We 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 3, 2024
  • Melissa F
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 5, 2024
  • MichaelTheWanderer
    Chicago, Illinois149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Time 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 14, 2024
  • Andrey N
    Flower Mound, Texas4,260 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Milwaukee Art Museum
    This 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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 10, 2024
  • Joyce J
    279 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome Miwaukee Art Museum
    The 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 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 3, 2024
  • scott r
    Silver Spring, Maryland784 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Widely varied collection, only ding is expense + parking too
    Fairly 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 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 5, 2024
  • Rhonda S
    49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wide variety of exhibits in beautiful building/location
    I'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 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 24, 2024
  • Carolyn M
    Golden, Colorado153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful art museum
    I took my teenage grandson during a brief visit to Milwaukee from Chicago. This was a real treat. It is supercool outside and inside and I thought the exhibits at the time were excellent and absorbing. It was easy to access and see the art which we did. I would totally recommend!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written October 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,815 reviews
Excellent
2,071
Very good
593
Average
112
Poor
28
Terrible
11

KittyChick
Kentucky132 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Family
We visited today not knowing exactly what to expect based on only the first floor being open for viewing. We wondered if there would be enough to see, but I am happy to report that after 2.5 hours we still had more to see! Also, we arrived ready with our mobile phones charged for the free audio commentary on certain pieces. This really made our trip more meaningful, and we highly recommend taking advantage of this FREE enhancement. Please visit this museum, it was worth every penny of the $19/pp entry fee (and it’s important to support the arts during this challenging time!)
Written May 30, 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.

ELKW
United States11,824 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
the appearance of the Art museum is special, there is admission fee which is quite expensive, but if you can get some free ticket or you go to on a free day, it's good, there is flower show every spring, but due to COVID, the one at this year's spring is canceled. And there are some family Sundays, which has some extra art activities for people to do, there is also a kohl's center for people to do art, however, due to COVID, all are closed and canceled. The last time we came there was in early March just a few days before the shut down of the city.
Written October 22, 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.

Jasmine
Wadsworth, OH14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
From the outside and inside, the entrance of this museum is stunning. It looks like a futuristic yacht that might take off into the lake at any minute. Inside the sight lines frame Lake Michigan beautifully, and they make for a marvelous sculpture hall leading to the somewhat basic structure that houses most of the art.
During Covid, all but the main floor was closed. But the main floor still offered a great variety, ranging from renaissance era religious portraits, Egyptian artifacts, etc. Their modern art collections were the largest (at least on the open first floor) and offered a nice variety of well-known and lesser known artists. I love seeing artists I don't know and learning about them. They were well prepared for COVID, controlling the direction and flow of attendees. And we had a great chat with one of the very friendly docents.
Written August 6, 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.

caseymorgan
Tierra Verde, FL5,724 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 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 September 28, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 January 1, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 February 23, 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, WI235 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written April 11, 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
326 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 August 7, 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
326 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 April 9, 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, IL97 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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?
Written October 27, 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.

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Milwaukee Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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