Free Day + Celebration: Alfred Bader’s 100th Birthday

Join us for this celebratory day honoring the life of Dr. Alfred Bader, chemist, art collector, and avid Museum supporter. Enjoy the Museum with free admission, and bring friends and family for campus-wide themed activities for all ages.

Event Lineup

Art Making | 10 AM–4 PM
Ignite your creative side with art activities! Visit the Kohl’s Art Studio for a project inspired by the European art collection. Head to the Milwaukee Room for an activity led by local youth art and creative center TBEY.

Community Engagement Fair | 10 AM–4 PM
Meet several art organizations from across Milwaukee supported by Bader Philanthropies.

Film Screening | 10:30 AM–4 PM
Watch the 30-minute-long documentary Alfred Bader: Legend: Art, Bible, Chemistry. Screenings begin at half past the hour.

Performances | 11 AM–12 PM, 1–1:15 PM, 3–4 PM
Enjoy performances from Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (11 a.m.), Hmong American Friendship Association (1 p.m.), and Bembé Drum & Dance (3 p.m.)

Live DJ | 11 AM–4 PM
Enhance your Kohl’s Haitian Gallery experience while grooving to the music of TRUE Skool.

Live DJ | NOON–1 PM, 1:30–2:30 PM
Groove to the music of TRUE Skool.

Drop-In Tours | NOON–1 PM, 3–4 PM
Discover works in the collection that highlight Milwaukee’s local heroes who have helped the Museum grow its collection. Tours will be joined by an ASL interpreter.

Visiting for the first time? Please follow these Museum guidelines.

• Stay an arm’s length away from the art.
• Finish food and drinks, including water, before entering the galleries.
• Store umbrellas, large bags, backpacks, and water bottles in a locker.
• Strollers are welcome in the galleries. Wagons must be stored in the coatroom.
• Take photos without flash, stabilizers, or tripods.

About Alfred Bader

Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1924, Dr. Alfred Bader settled in Milwaukee in 1950 following his studies at Queen’s University and Harvard University. As the founder of Aldrich Chemical Company, Bader built an innovative, successful business in Milwaukee while developing a passion for collecting old master paintings. Upon becoming a Museum Member in 1952, Bader guided the European art program at the Milwaukee Art Museum. In addition to donating significant works of art, Bader and his wife, Isabel, served as advisors to the Museum.The Museum is one of the dozen institutions worldwide to commemorate Dr. Alfred Bader’s birthday. Celebrating with the Museum in North America are the American Chemical Society, Bader Hillel Academy, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Queen’s University. Throughout Europe, institutions such as the Rembrandt House Museum (Amsterdam) and the University of Edinburgh are commemorating with art workshops, conferences, lectures, and performances.

This event is made possible by Bader Philanthropies.

Image: Photo by GM.CREATIVE