Location: Milwaukee
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Top 10 Museums in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WI)
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is perhaps best known for its famous breweries and the Major League Brewers, but there's more to the city than beer and baseball. Milwaukee is rich in historical and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place for a weekend of exploring. Check out the newly expanded Milwaukee Art Museum or the Mitchell Park Horticultural Society, which hosts an annual show of the same flora and fauna seen in Georgia O'Keefe's paintings. Those interested in the city's history can visit the grand Pabst Mansion, former home of one of the city's famous beer barons, or the Milwaukee Public Museum, to see what life was like in Old Milwaukee. If the kids are along, don't miss the Milwaukee County Zoo or the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Of course a trip to the "Genuine American City" would not be complete without a tour of the Miller Brewing Company and a Brewers game at Miller Park.
Restaurants in Milwaukee
1. Thomas a. Greene Geological Museum
2. Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 339 reviews
A Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to giving visitors a glimpse into Milwaukee life between the world wars with authentic items displayed in store settings. Handicap-accessible guided tours are offered at no additional charge, and there is free off-street parking behind the building.
Reviewed By picusue - Rochester, United States
The Chudnow is a must see in Milwaukee particularly if you enjoy history. Each room of these beautiful old house is a replica of a place in the past from Soda Fountain to Speakeasy. The Chudnow’s collection of memorabilia is impressive. It was fun wandering from room to room and taking a step back in time.
3. Milwaukee Public Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,061 reviews
Featuring more than 4.5 million objects and a variety of exciting exhibits, this is considered one of the best natural history museums in the United States.
Reviewed By marlenelovestotravel - Milwaukee, United States
MPM has an amazing collection of artifacts displayed in appropriate high quality exhibits. MPM has a variety of educational programs for all ages within the museum and at times in collaboration with sites in natural areas. The IMAX theater, book club, behind the scenes & short term special exhibits keep the facility fresh & encourages visitors to return frequently.
4. Var Gallery and Studios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
5. Milwaukee Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,730 reviews
Museum boasts an extensive collection of nearly 20,000 works, representing such artists as Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol.
Reviewed By agustine934 - San Antonio, United States
The museum, design by Santiago Calatrava (well-known Spanish architect) is a real gem; the collection is perfectly curated and the exhibition halls are wonderful; The museum holds one of the largest collections of works by Wisconsin native Georgia O'Keeffe. Other artists represented include Gustave Caillebotte, Nardo di Cione, Francisco de Zurbarán, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Winslow Homer, Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Gabriele Munter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Frank Lloyd Wright, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Robert Gober, and Andy Warhol, however in my (humble) opinion the American Folk art collection is the most valuable thing they have. Spending a couple of hours at this museum is totally worth it. Do not miss it!
6. Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
The Betty Brinn Children's Museum inspires all children to wonder and explore their world through play and innovative, hands-on learning experiences. Reserve timed-entry passes for play times in advance for entrance to the Museum's interactive exhibit galleries, makerspace and creative workshops. Explore Home Town, Science City, Let's Play Railway! and Pocket Park (for children age 4 and younger) and discover new activities that spark learning. For at-home learning, the Museum presents virtual Play in the Cloud creative and cultural workshops led in real-time by Instructors from across the globe.
Reviewed By NuthouseNancy - New Berlin, United States
I accompanied my son and two grandsons to the museum. I had no idea it was so hands-on and casual. For being rather crowded, the visitors were easygoing and friendly. The children I saw were from young toddlers up to about age 10 or so. However, kids with special needs who are even older would love the hands on fun. There are so many play stations, all interesting to young learners: pretend store, tool shed, ship, many book nooks, slides, light up walls, doctor office, pretend garden, on and on! Kids can jump, climb, meet other kids, build, and have a blast. Visitors and even the kids themselves seem to care about putting toys and items back when they are done. Very friendly place, and all kinds of youngsters were getting along and enjoying learning, in the form of play.
7. Discovery World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
ATTENTION – Due to COVID-19, we are reopening in phases. Please visit the Discovery World website to review open attractions prior to your visit. Discovery World is Milwaukee’s premier, non-profit science and technology center for the whole family. We want to light the spark of curiosity in your kids. We want to inspire them to become the next generation of engineers, designers, scientists, innovators, community leaders, and makers. We want you and your family to explore, learn, create, and have fun.
Reviewed By Kerry1428 - Long Island, United States
Would definitely recommend to any family! There are so many hands on activities that will keep any age Interested and engaged!
8. Harley-Davidson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,050 reviews
Harley-Davidson motorcycles bring heart-thumping adventure, life-changing freedom and a bit of rebellion into the lives of people around the world. But whether you were born to be wild - or mild - makes no difference at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Much more than a nostalgia trip for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Museum offers a glimpse of American history and culture like you've never seen before - through the successes and trials of an iconic American company. Interactive, eye-catching exhibits present an unparalleled collection of legendary stories of our nation's last century. Located on 20 acres in downtown Milwaukee, the Museum offers free parking, Motor Bary & Restaurant, Cafe Racer, The Shop, park-like outdoor spaces, special event rentals, guided tours for group of 15 or more, and Steel Toe Tours of the Powertrain Operations, home of the big-twin engine.
Reviewed By lindabT8006KR
Even if you are not mechanically inclined, or know anything about motors, this museum is worth a couple hours of your time. The audio option is worth the money. Between the audio and the exhibits, the history of the motorcycle's development and how it fits into American history is told in full detail and includes stories and little known facts that keep you involved. Individualization of a person's Harley by customization is a consistent thread through the hundreds of bikes displayed. It was amazing to see what a rider can do to a bike!
9. Grohmann Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Beatriz121
I can't believe I never heard of the Grohmann Museum on the campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering. As my husband and I found out, it is a "must see" if you appreciate fine art. The three story building is beautifully designed and the displays of paintings and scuptures all relate to the story of people at work. Among the 1,000+ pieces in the collection are European masterpieces, a Norman Rockwell, and bronze statues in the rooftop sculpture garden. I found the paintings of early medicine to be especially interesting. On a warm summer day the sculpture garden would be a perfect location to take in the Milwaukee skyline. We found the three staff members we interacted with to be extremely friendly and helpful. As seniors, our admission tickets were only $3. Free parking is provided in a lot just to the east of the museum. Both the building and the art collection were a gift from Dr. Eckhart Grohmann, a Milwaukee businessman and collector of fine art. The museum is definitely a stop worth making.
10. Mitchell Gallery of Flight
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
We are a non-profit aviation museum located inside Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport.
