Free Day + Celebration: Honoring Dr. Alfred Bader

Join us for a free day celebrating the legacy of Dr. Alfred Bader, chemist, art collector, and avid Museum supporter. The day will feature drop-in art making, music, presentations, and tours celebrating Bader’s formidable and continued philanthropic legacy in the Milwaukee community.

Lineup

Art Making: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Ignite your imaginative side in two different art-making zones. In the Kohl’s Art Studio, make oil pastels inspired by works from our European art collection. In the Milwaukee Room, enjoy artmaking led by local youth and creative center TBEY.

Yoga: 10–11 a.m.
Start your day with yoga led by The Phoenix, an organization working to promote togetherness through sober activities and community.

Film Screening: 10:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Watch the 30-minute-long documentary Alfred Bader: Legend: Art, Bible, Chemistry. Screenings begin at half past the hour.

Community Engagement Fair: Noon–7 p.m.
Meet several art organizations from across Milwaukee that carry forward the legacy and values of Dr. Alfred Bader.

Performance: Noon–1 p.m.
Enjoy a performance by The Amazing Grace Chorus

Drop-In Tour: Noon–1:00 p.m., 3–4 p.m.*
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.

Live DJ: 4–7 p.m.
Groove to the music while enjoying the permanent collection as TRUE Skool spins music in the Haitian Art Gallery.

Community Conversation: Belonging. | 6–7 p.m.*
Join us for a new annual conversation on “Belonging.” What does it mean to feel a sense of belonging in 2025? What do we need to feel seen, safe, and human? Join Venice Williams (Executive Director of Alice’s Garden), Tammi Xiong (Executive Director of Hmong American Women’s Association), Dr. Arijit Sen (Associate Professor of History, UW-Milwaukee), Adam Carr (facilitator and organizer), and Dr. Kantara Souffrant, Senior Director of Community Dialogue and Adult Programs, as we discuss the state of belonging in 2025.

Performance: Wild Space | 7–7:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of Windhover Hall through a dance performance by Wild Space.

*Includes ASL interpretation

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, Dr. 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.

This event is made possible by Bader Philanthropies.