Top Museums in Madison, WI
Museums in Madison
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Museums
Traveler rating
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12 places sorted by traveler favorites
Military Museums • Speciality Museums
Art Museums
Schenk-Atwood
Architectural Buildings • Art Museums
Art Galleries
Speciality Museums
What travelers are saying
- Betty2,643 contributionsThis art museum has a lot of world class pieces. There is a wide array of art from local to national and international artists. They expanded the museum since we last visited many years ago. Not sure how they can do this but admission is free. The only hard part is finding parking.
Maps are not provided so plan ahead and print a map but they also have a QR scan at the desk to get a map.Written October 3, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HannahFloral City, FL50 contributionsSo much to do and explore here. The indoor areas keep kids entertained for hours. And in the warmer months, the outdoor spaces are the best! The rooftop has a chicken coop - and if your visit it timed right, there may be baby chicks that the kids can touch/hold.Written May 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- suite1934Waunakee, WI71 contributionsI have been several times. The exhibits are wonderful and amazing--the facility is larger than it looks from the outside. If you like military history (even if you don't), the exhibits don't disappoint.Written August 4, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Betty2,643 contributionsThe museum is well laid out and very interesting. There are lots of historical artifacts and exhibits of Wisconsin. The museum is free but you can make a donation.Written November 12, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LangmuirRincon, Puerto Rico57 contributionsWent with a group of teachers as part of a collaboration with UW-Madison. The person who gave us the tour was highly knowledgeable and clear in his explanations. The collection is quite good.Written August 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RickMarshallBrookfield, WI209 contributionsThis is a nice small museum with very unique offerings. I love Modern and Contemporary art, and this is an impressive home for rotating collections. I loved the atmosphere, a very low-key, contemplative vibe.Written November 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicolle ZHolt, MI656 contributionsA beautiful view of the lake in one direction and a view of the historic observatory in the other. Plus, Celestial Bucky (on parade). Excellent visit all around!Written August 4, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kb3ixtDubuque, IA31 contributionsThis little gem, located near the capitol, has a great taste of several different kinds of science. Let me start by saying the price is right. It is a free will donation, so if you are trying to find something on a budget, this is a good choice.
All of their displays are interactive to a certain extent. Most of their displays, in some way, talk about lightwaves. They have a decommissioned External Beam Therapy unit that is used for cancer treatment which they show how the beams are used for radiation therapy. There is also a display with an old fashioned x-ray machine from the days they were used for shoe fitting.
While we enjoyed our time there, it was not a very extended time. The museum is not very big. It is well worth the time for what is there, but don't expect the Franklin Institute. The displays are great, but there are not a lot of them. I highly encourage you to check it out on a rainy afternoon or when you have a little bit of time to fill and you aren't sure what to do. I would love to see this little museum gain some more support and become something bigger, but for the time I will say it is well worth the visit.,Written March 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Don SMadison, WI129 contributionsThe Madison Art Center is relatively small, but, as in most such cultural-related places in wonderful Madison, Wisconsin, it is quite good and very well-run with consistently interesting exhibits that change quite often.Written April 29, 2012This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- suite1934Waunakee, WI71 contributionsWe go as often as we can. It is a beautiful space and its shows never disappoint. Walking State Street is a treat after a matinee with lots of places for snacks!Written August 4, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Madison
- These places are best for museums in Madison:
- Chazen Museum of Art
- Madison Children's Museum
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- Wisconsin Historical Museum
- University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
- These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in Madison:See more museums for kids in Madison on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking museums in Madison:See more museums for groups in Madison on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in Madison:
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- Chazen Museum of Art
- University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
- Wisconsin Historical Museum
- Madison Museum of Contemporary Art