Milwaukee Public Museum
Explore natural history, cultural exhibits, and a magical butterfly wing in this beloved Milwaukee institution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission for all!
Milwaukee Public Museum
Best Time
Free admission for all!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore natural history, cultural exhibits, and a magical butterfly wing in this beloved Milwaukee institution.
"This is hands down one of the coolest museums I have ever seen!"
🎟️ Free First Thursdays
Enjoy free admission on the first Thursday of each month! Arrive early, as it gets crowded.
🦋 Butterfly Garden Magic
Don't miss the Puelicher Butterfly Wing! It's a serene escape and a photographer's dream.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Puelicher Butterfly Wing
Third Floor
Wander through a tropical garden and witness hundreds of butterflies in flight. A truly magical experience!
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Old Milwaukee
Second Floor
Step back in time on a recreated 1890s streetscape. Explore shops, homes, and experience a bygone era.
Planetarium Shows
Third Floor
Explore the cosmos with captivating shows like 'Constellations' and 'Wisconsin Stargazing.' Included with admission!
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European Village
Second Floor
Discover charming details and feel transported to a different time in this meticulously crafted exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Future of the Museum
Maximize Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Free First Thursdays
Enjoy free admission on the first Thursday of each month! Arrive early, as it gets crowded.
🦋 Butterfly Garden Magic
Don't miss the Puelicher Butterfly Wing! It's a serene escape and a photographer's dream.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
The 'Old Milwaukee' exhibit is a must-see. It feels incredibly authentic and immersive.
⭐ Planetarium Included
Your admission includes a planetarium show! Check the schedule upon arrival.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Free First Thursdays
Enjoy free admission on the first Thursday of each month! Arrive early, as it gets crowded.
🦋 Butterfly Garden Magic
Don't miss the Puelicher Butterfly Wing! It's a serene escape and a photographer's dream.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
The 'Old Milwaukee' exhibit is a must-see. It feels incredibly authentic and immersive.
⭐ Planetarium Included
Your admission includes a planetarium show! Check the schedule upon arrival.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across three floors, so wear comfy shoes!
🚗 Parking Convenience
A parking garage is adjacent to the museum, with validated parking for members.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Milwaukee Public Museum for its detailed and fascinating exhibits, with many highlighting the immersive 'Old Milwaukee' streetscape and the magical butterfly wing. The friendly staff and clean facilities also receive positive mentions. While the museum is beloved, many are aware of its impending demolition and hope the new facility will preserve its cherished elements.
"We all absolutely loved this museum!!
Every staff member we encountered was friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond for us! Clean bathrooms which is always wonderful. There is so much to see and do you could spend a whole day here learning and exploring. Everything is so detailed and fascinating to look at. You can really see all the thought- time and hard work that went into the making of the museum. Learn about history and culture and so much more. There is even a butterfly room! Fun for all ages- three levels of fun. They even have a cafe on site and parking garage next door (fee). We had so much fun i can't wait to come again and spend more time exploring the museum."
Cortney Forman
"We were so glad to visit this amazing museum. Sadly, we found out that it would be demolished and another one would be built. I hope the architects do a great job because this incredible museum has great exhibits, displays, and much art. You can spend the whole day there.
Among our favorite exhibits were the Native Peoples, the European Village, the Egyptian exhibit, and the dinosaurs.
We would love to go back and finish discovering the rest of the exhibits we couldn't visit.
We are also glad to share with you that this museum is part of the reciprocity programs among science museums.
We have a membership from the Science Museum of Minnesota, so we were able to attend for free.
We highly recommend this place.
P.S. To the ones planning on the design of the new museum, I hope you do a good job. Please preserve the gorgeous displays that already exist. The European village is filled with charming details that make you feel like traveling in time. There are other cute displays like a cat hidden in an alley that meows when you walk by."
maria espadas
"Great museum with broad topics to explore. We enjoyed seeing the fossils, cultural exhibits, planet/dinosaur exhibits, Native American scenes, and more! Particularly loved “Old Milwaukee!” We were there for a few hours and while we saw a number of exhibits, did not fully digest them. Plan on return trips! There’s also a theater which looks cool. Great museum!"
cliffb1930
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Milwaukee Public Museum is located at 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233. It's easily accessible by car, with a parking garage nearby. Public transportation options are also available. +1
Yes, there is a parking garage adjacent to the museum. Members can get $5 validated parking.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area around the Milwaukee Public Museum. Check with your local transit authority for specific routes and schedules.
The museum is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators available. Many visitors have noted its ADA compliance.
The museum is a short ride from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, making it a convenient day trip destination from Chicago.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary, but check the official website for the most current Milwaukee Public Museum tickets and cost information. Look out for special discount days!
Yes! The museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month. It's a popular time, so expect crowds.
The museum is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official Milwaukee Public Museum hours on their website before your visit.
Yes, a Milwaukee Public Museum membership offers benefits like free admission and discounts. It's a great option if you plan to visit multiple times.
While not always required, booking Milwaukee Public Museum tickets in advance is recommended, especially for free days or during peak season, to guarantee entry and save time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the Puelicher Butterfly Wing, the 'Old Milwaukee' streetscape, the European Village, and the dinosaur fossils. The planetarium shows are also highly recommended. +1
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 3-4 hours to explore the museum, though you could easily spend a full day to fully appreciate all three floors of exhibits.
Yes, the Puelicher Butterfly Wing is a major attraction where you can walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
Absolutely! The museum features a planetarium with regular shows included with admission, offering a stellar experience.
This immersive exhibit recreates a 1890s Milwaukee street, complete with storefronts, homes, and historical details that make you feel like you've stepped back in time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe on-site offering a variety of options, including pizza. You can also pack your own lunch.
Visitors are welcome to pack a lunch and dine in designated areas or the on-site cafe.
The cafe offers convenient options like pizza and other casual fare, perfect for a midday break during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed in most areas of the museum for non-commercial use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts.
The 'Old Milwaukee' streetscape, the Puelicher Butterfly Wing, and the detailed dioramas offer fantastic photo opportunities. The planetarium dome can also be visually striking.
Yes, the butterfly exhibit is a popular spot for photography, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash to not disturb the butterflies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The dinosaur exhibit also sparks immense curiosity and excitement. For added convenience, the museum is stroller-friendly with ramps and elevators, and offers a sensory room and nursing pod. The on-site cafe provides easy dining options, or families can pack their own lunches.
The planetarium shows are also a great way to engage younger minds with the wonders of space. 💰 Budget Travelers
If your visit doesn't align with a free day, check for special 'Museum Days' promotions, like the one in January/February offering discounted admission. Consider packing your own lunch to save on dining costs, as the museum allows outside food.
If you plan to visit frequently, a membership might offer good value, especially if it includes reciprocity with other museums you might visit. 🏛️ History & Science Enthusiasts
The museum's commitment to detailed dioramas and immersive environments makes learning a captivating experience. The planetarium further enhances the scientific exploration, offering a journey through the cosmos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Future of the Milwaukee Public Museum
Many long-time visitors and locals express a strong sentiment for preserving the unique displays that have educated and inspired countless individuals. Exhibits like the 'Old Milwaukee' streetscape and the detailed European Village are particularly cherished for their immersive qualities and historical significance. There's a hope that the new museum will incorporate elements of the beloved original, ensuring that these cherished pieces of Milwaukee's past are not lost.
For those planning a visit, it's advisable to check the museum's official website for any updates regarding the demolition timeline and the opening of the new facility. Experiencing the current Milwaukee Public Museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with its rich history and iconic exhibits before they are transformed.
Exploring the Natural World
A truly unique and enchanting experience awaits in the Puelicher Butterfly Wing. This tropical garden environment allows visitors to walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies. It's not just a visual spectacle; the exhibit also educates about the life cycle of these delicate creatures, from chrysalis to winged beauty. Many find this exhibit to be a peaceful and awe-inspiring escape.
+1Beyond these highlights, the museum's natural history collections extend to diverse environments, offering insights into zoology and botany. These exhibits are meticulously curated, providing a comprehensive look at the planet's biodiversity and the forces that have shaped it over millennia.
Immersive Historical Experiences
Complementing the local history is the European Village, another highly praised exhibit. This section offers a charming glimpse into various European cultures and architectural styles, filled with intricate details that make you feel like you've traveled across the Atlantic. Redditors often highlight the charming details, like hidden cats that meow when you pass by, adding a touch of whimsy to the historical immersion.
These exhibits are more than just displays; they are carefully crafted environments designed to educate and engage. They offer a tangible connection to the past, making history come alive in a way that textbooks often cannot. The dedication to detail in these historical recreations is a testament to the museum's commitment to providing a rich and memorable visitor experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit