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Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee, WI

History

A lakefront museum whose white winglike roof opens and closes above the main hall, and which holds a broad art collection. Check when the wings open for the photo, and walk the lakeside path nearby.

The Milwaukee Art Museum sits on the shore of Lake Michigan and consists of three building sections. Santiago Calatrava's Quadracci Pavilion (2001) has a movable sunscreen, the "Burke Brise Soleil," with a wingspan of 217 feet (66 m), which opens during the day and closes at night or in strong wind. The Saarinen building, the 1957 War Memorial, houses the main galleries, including the 90-foot (27 m) glass-roofed Windhover Hall. The 1975 Kahler Building houses the Bradley Collection.

The collection includes nearly 35,000 works, with strengths such as the Ashcan School, German Expressionism, Georgia O'Keeffe and folk art. A pedestrian bridge, the Reiman Bridge, and the Cudahy Gardens designed by Dan Kiley are part of the ensemble. Plan on two to three hours and find out when the wings are opened. Parking downtown is difficult for larger vehicles.

Nearest town
Milwaukee, WI
Category
History & culture
GPS
43.0400, -87.8971

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Wisconsin State Fair Park RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    6 mi from Milwaukee Art Museum
    Motorhomes
  • Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp ResortMotorhome stopover
    14 mi from Milwaukee Art Museum
    Motorhomes
  • Menomonee Park Campground Family CampingCampsite
    16 mi from Milwaukee Art Museum
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
  • YMCA Camp MinikaniCampsite
    19 mi from Milwaukee Art Museum
  • County View CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    23 mi from Milwaukee Art Museum
    Motorhomes
  • Naga-Waukee County Park CampgroundCampsite
    24 mi from Milwaukee Art Museum · 33 pitches
    Drinking water

All campsites in Wisconsin · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Milwaukee Art Museum?

Milwaukee Art Museum is in Milwaukee, WI, at GPS 43.0400, -87.8971. It is about 76 mi from Madison.

Can you camp near Milwaukee Art Museum?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wisconsin State Fair Park RV Park, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Milwaukee Art Museum?

Places worth a stop nearby: Cedarburg (18 mi), Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (79 mi), Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (81 mi) and Route 66 Begin Sign (81 mi).

When is the best time to visit Milwaukee Art Museum?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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