War Memorial Center
A modernist architectural marvel honoring Wisconsin's military heroes, offering a space for reflection and remembrance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection
War Memorial Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modernist architectural marvel honoring Wisconsin's military heroes, offering a space for reflection and remembrance.
"A sobering testament to the people who paved the way for our freedom. Stunning architecture and setting."
Check Opening Hours
Upstairs doors may be locked; try the bottom entrance if needed. :door:
Self-Guided Exploration
Enjoy a quiet, reflective visit at your own pace. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eero Saarinen's Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the stunning, modernist design of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, a true architectural gem.
+1
Field of Flags
Exterior grounds
A powerful display honoring Wisconsin's fallen heroes with thousands of flags.
Veterans Memorial Park
Adjacent to the center
Explore the nearby park and its memorials, offering a serene space for reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Self-Guided Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Hours
Upstairs doors may be locked; try the bottom entrance if needed. :door:
Self-Guided Exploration
Enjoy a quiet, reflective visit at your own pace. :walking:
Combine with Art Museum
Conveniently located near the Milwaukee Art Museum. :museum:
Reflect on Sacrifice
A sobering and educational experience honoring service members. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Hours
Upstairs doors may be locked; try the bottom entrance if needed. :door:
Self-Guided Exploration
Enjoy a quiet, reflective visit at your own pace. :walking:
Combine with Art Museum
Conveniently located near the Milwaukee Art Museum. :museum:
Reflect on Sacrifice
A sobering and educational experience honoring service members. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the War Memorial Center to be a beautiful and poignant tribute, praising its stunning architecture and the moving Field of Flags exhibit. While some note issues with accessibility or staffing, the overall experience is described as educational, reflective, and highly recommended for its solemn atmosphere and historical significance.
"My son absolutely loved going here and walking to the veterans memorial Park. We ended up getting lucky the day we went because we got to see the Blue Angels practice. It's a great little memorial and if you're in the area definitely check it out. It's a self tour and when we went we did not see anybody at all. It is a very lovely memorial"
T J
"Upstairs doors were locked when it was supposed to be open. Walked around the building to the bottom entrance and it was unlocked. Looked all through information on several floors. Didn’t see a single person working there, but we enjoyed our visit."
Elizabeth Dawes
"Sobering testament to the people who paved the way for our freedom. Stunning architecture and setting."
Listening Heart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The War Memorial Center is located in downtown Milwaukee, easily accessible by car or public transportation. Parking is available nearby, and it's a short walk from many downtown hotels and attractions.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the center, several public parking garages and street parking options are available in the vicinity.
Yes, if you are staying in the downtown Milwaukee area, the War Memorial Center is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, the War Memorial Center is a self-guided memorial and does not require tickets for entry to its public spaces. However, specific exhibits or events may have admission fees.
Opening hours can vary, and some visitors have reported encountering locked doors even during supposed open times. It's advisable to check the official website or call ahead for the most current hours of operation.
The center is designed to be accessible, with ramps and elevators available. However, as noted by visitors, some areas might have limited access at certain times.
Yes, for general visitation and reflection, no appointment is typically needed. However, if you are planning an event or require specific access, it's best to contact them in advance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits honoring Wisconsin's service members, admire the architecture by Eero Saarinen, and visit the adjacent Veterans Memorial Park.
Absolutely. The serene setting, coupled with the solemn purpose of the memorial, makes it an ideal place for quiet contemplation and remembrance.
The War Memorial Center is primarily a self-guided experience. While there are no formal guided tours, the exhibits provide ample information.
The Field of Flags is a powerful display featuring 27,316 flags, each representing a Wisconsinite killed in action since the Civil War, creating a moving tribute.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the architecture and exhibits. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the memorial.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture by Eero Saarinen offers dramatic lines, and the Field of Flags provides a poignant backdrop. The views from the grounds overlooking Lake Michigan are also picturesque. +1
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside the memorial, but it's important to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors.
While personal photography is usually fine, professional or commercial photography might require special permission. Always be mindful of the solemn atmosphere.
Natural light is abundant, especially during the day. For specific exhibits, like the Mr. Lincoln statue mentioned by a reviewer, additional lighting might be needed for optimal photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the memorial itself is a place for quiet contemplation, the nearby park and the impressive architecture can engage younger visitors. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served, in a setting that is both respectful and visually interesting.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
+1Take time to appreciate the building's materials, spatial arrangements, and the overall aesthetic. The center's proximity to the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by Santiago Calatrava, also makes it part of a significant architectural cluster in the city, offering a rich experience for anyone interested in design.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
+1Visitors often praise the building's aesthetic appeal, noting its integration with the surrounding landscape. The interplay of concrete, glass, and open plazas creates a contemplative environment. It's a space that not only serves its memorial purpose but also stands as a piece of architectural art, drawing admiration from design enthusiasts.
Honoring Wisconsin's Heroes
Beyond the Field of Flags, the center houses various exhibits and displays that delve into the history of military service from Wisconsin. These exhibits aim to educate visitors about the contributions and sacrifices of local service members, making it a poignant and educational destination. Reviewers consistently highlight the 'sobering testament' and 'educational' aspects of the visit.
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