About MAM

Experience a breathtaking view like no other.

Perched on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum is not just a cultural destination—it’s an architectural icon. A seamless blend of visionary design and artistic excellence, the Museum’s striking 24-acre campus connects the city’s vibrant downtown to its serene lakefront.

The Burke Brise Soleil, affectionately known as “the wings,” is an engineering marvel that defines the skyline. Designed by Santiago Calatrava as part of the Quadracci Pavilion (2001), this soaring, kinetic structure unfolds its 217-foot wingspan when the Museum opens, elegantly flaps at noon, and folds at 10 p.m. Complementing this architectural feat are the Eero Saarinen-designed War Memorial Center (1957) and the David Kahler-designed Kahler Building (1975), each an icon of the Museum’s growth.

The Quadracci Pavilion is a space where the community connects with art and each other. Inside the iconic building are the Baker/Rowland Galleries—MAM’s largest feature exhibition space—and the Schroeder and Baumgartner Gallerias, where MAM rotates works from its collection. At the heart of the Quadracci Pavilion is Windhover Hall. Serving as the Museum’s front entrance, the atrium greets visitors with awe-inspiring architecture and wow-worthy views of Lake Michigan. Free and open to the public, Windhover Hall is a gathering place for locals and travelers alike to come together at events like Thursday Nights at MAM and Yoga at the Museum, as well as programs such as Free Days + Celebrations and Kohl’s Family Sundays.

Did you know? Architectural Digest named Milwaukee’s skyline as one of the most beautiful in the world—with a distinct dedication to the Quadracci Pavilion.

Travel Tip: Stay for sundown! The Museum illuminates the wings with colorful lights every evening until 10 p.m.

Learn more about the Museum’s campus by tuning into the Architecture Tour on Bloomberg Connects.

Come face-to-face with art that tells stories and sparks creativity.

Beyond its breathtaking exterior, the Museum houses a world-class collection of over 34,000 objects across ten core areas—from 18th-century American masters to contemporary icons and 20th-century Haitian art to cutting-edge photography. The largest art institution in Wisconsin, MAM offers an unparalleled glimpse into artistic traditions across centuries and continents.

Among the collection’s treasures:

• Poppies (1950) by Georgia O’Keeffe
• Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb (1630/34) by Francisco de Zurbarán
• Crowded Market (1972) by Laurent Casimir
• Carousel Merge 2 (1971) by Sam Gilliam
• Boating (1910) by Gabriele Münter
• Le Père Jacques (The Wood Gatherer) (1881) by Jules Bastien-Lepage
• Scene 5: The Studio, from the series Carving Out Time (2020–21) by LaToya M. Hobbs
• Waterloo Bridge, Sunlight Effect (ca. 1900) by Claude Monet
• Young Girl with a Cat (1955) by Drossos P. Skyllas
• Bella Falcon, from the series Strong Unrelenting Spirits (2023) by Tom Jones

Dive into the Museum’s collection.

Make the most of a trip to MAM with these amenities.

Bloomberg Connects
Everything you need for an inspired trip to MAM is right at your fingertips with Bloomberg Connects. From engaging audio tours to interactive maps, this free mobile app offers content in more than 40 languages. Whether you’re here to wander the collection galleries or visit a feature exhibition, its accessible and user-friendly design allows you to tailor your Museum experience with ease.

Museum Café
Nestled inside the Quadracci Pavilion, the Museum Café features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lakefront in a stunning 270-degree tableau. No matter the season, delight in the one-of-a-kind views of Lake Michigan and the Oak Leaf Trail while you relax, recharge, and indulge. Select from a rotating menu of food and beverages and enjoy a full barista menu featuring an exclusive roast by Milwaukee-based Valentine Coffee.

Museum Store
Now two floors inside the iconic Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion, the Museum Store is the most artful shopping destination in Milwaukee. Find a great gift and take home a souvenir from the store’s wide selection of Museum-branded merchandise, designer goods, gifts for creative kids, high-end jewelry, and art books and prints.

Plan your perfect trip to the Museum.

Celebrate in style year-round at spectacular signature events.

Art in Bloom
Held in April, Art in Bloom welcomes spring to Milwaukee. The four-day event fills the galleries with an abundance of flowers, live music, and springtime activations. A visitor-favorite, the Museum’s annual celebration of spring features lush floral arrangements that interpret works of art from the collection and vibrant after-hours parties, such as Petals and Pours, Floral Fashion Show, and Bloom Bash.

Lakefront Festival of Art
LFOA is more than an art festival—it’s a can’t-miss celebration of creativity in all forms. Every June, the Museum’s campus becomes the destination to acquire one-of-a-kind art from exceptional artists; enjoy live music and performances; delight in seasonal bites and beverages; and engage in all-ages fun.

MAM After Dark
Decked out with a unique theme, the Museum turns into a vibrant hub of art, music, and nightlife at MAM After Dark. Under the illuminated wings of the Burke Brise Soleil, Milwaukee’s artiest party includes live music by rising and established local talent, immersive performances, artful activations, and themed refreshments. The next season of MAM After Dark kicks off in October with Fright at the Museum.

Thursday Nights at MAM
Every Thursday, 4–8 p.m., the Museum hosts an artful evening filled with beverages and live music perfect for get-togethers with friends, date nights, and celebratory outings—all at a flexible pay-what-you-wish admission.

A visit to Milwaukee isn’t complete without MAM.

Whether it’s the striking architecture and lakefront views, the awe-inspiring collection and exhibitions, or the dynamic events and programs, the Milwaukee Art Museum is an essential destination for travelers in search of creativity and inspiration. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here’s what’s in the news about MAM and the city we call home:

• SMU DataArts ranked Milwaukee in the Top 40 Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2023.
• The Architect’s Newspaper named Knowledge Beings an Editor’s Pick in the 2023 Best of Design Awards for Exhibition Design.
• MAM was voted among the Top 10 Best Art Museums by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
• MAM was recognized by EXPO CHICAGO with the Northern Trust Purchase Prize.
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel named the Burke Brise Soleil (or “the wings”), Mark di Suvero’s The Calling (1981–82), and the War Memorial Center among the 100 objects that make Milwaukee.
• Milwaukee Downtown BID 21 awarded MAM with the Illuminating Community Award for its colorful and celebratory contributions to the lakefront.
• Condé Nast Traveler recognized MAM as one of the 51 Best Museums in the U.S.
• The Museum received the 2025 Governor’s Tourism Award for Arts, Culture, and Heritage.

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