Milwaukee Art Museum: Ultimate Family Guide

The famous Burke Brise Soleil is one of the main attractions of the Milwaukee Art Museum

Discover art, architecture, and adventure at one of Milwaukee's most iconic destinations

Looking for a cultural adventure that will captivate the whole family? The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) offers an incredible experience that goes far beyond simply looking at paintings. With its famous moving "wings," hands-on activities, and welcoming atmosphere for kids, MAM has become one of our favorite North Shore family destinations.

What sets MAM apart from other museums is its genuine commitment to making art accessible and exciting for children. From the moment you arrive at the stunning lakefront location, kids are mesmerized by the architectural wonder of Santiago Calatrava's Burke Brise Soleil – those famous "wings" that open and close throughout the day like a giant bird taking flight.

But the magic doesn't stop at the architecture. MAM has thoughtfully designed every aspect of the visitor experience with families in mind, making it a place where art truly comes alive for all ages.

For more museum adventures, check out nearby Betty Brinn’s Children Museum

Planning Your Visit: The Essential Details

Location & Getting There The museum sits beautifully at 700 N. Art Museum Drive, right on Milwaukee's lakefront. The scenic location offers opportunities for outdoor fun before or after your indoor adventure – perfect for kids who need to burn some energy.

Hours That Work for Families

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (great for after-school visits!)

• Closed Tuesdays

Pro tip: Thursday evenings can be less crowded, making them ideal for families with older kids who can handle a later visit.

Family-Friendly Admission Here's what makes MAM incredibly accessible for families: kids 12 and under get FREE admission thanks to a generous anonymous donor. Adult tickets are $27, with discounts for students, seniors, and military families. Wisconsin K-12 teachers also get free admission with valid ID.

The Kohl's Art Studio: Where Creativity Comes Alive

This is where your kids will want to spend hours! The Kohl's Art Studio offers hands-on art projects that change monthly, inspired by the museum's collection. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it's included with your museum admission.

Watching kids create their own masterpieces after being inspired by world-class art is truly magical. It transforms the visit from a passive viewing experience into an active, creative adventure that they'll remember long after you leave.

Your Toolkit for Exploration: The ArtPack Station

Located right on the Entrance Level, the ArtPack Station is like a treasure chest of free resources designed to make your gallery visit interactive and fun:

For All Ages:

• Family Guides: Self-guided booklets that turn your visit into a detective game

• SketchPacks: Drawing supplies for budding artists (pencil only in galleries)

• Picture Books: Perfect for connecting art with storytelling

Perfect for Little Ones (ages 3-5):

• Museum Moments Cards: Brain-boosting activities available in English and Spanish

• Costumes: Kids can dress up as characters from the artwork – imagine your child transforming into a piece of art!

• ArtPacks: Activity bags focusing on textures, shapes, and colors

Making Art Accessible for Every Child

What we love most about MAM is that there aren't separate "kids' sections." Instead, the museum provides tools to make ALL art engaging for children. This approach encourages families to explore everything together, turning the entire museum into a playground of discovery.

Gallery Tips for Families:

• Turn observation into games: "Can you find something blue?" or "What emotions do you see in this painting?"

• Use the costume station to help kids connect with historical periods

• Encourage sketching – it helps kids really look at and absorb the art

• Remember: stay an arm's length from artwork and use only pencils for drawing

Special Events to Watch For

MAM regularly hosts family-specific programming:

• Drop-In Art Making: Multiple Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

• Story Time in the Galleries: Select Saturdays, 10:30–11 a.m.

Check their calendar before visiting – these events can be the perfect anchor for your family's museum adventure.

Refueling Your Art Adventurers

The Museum Café, located in the stunning Calatrava building, offers beautiful lakefront views and family-friendly options. The kitchen operates from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., serving soups, salads, sandwiches, and kid-friendly drinks.

Important note: No outside food or drinks (including water) are allowed in galleries, and there's no designated picnic area. Plan to eat at the café or explore nearby lakefront restaurants like Harbor House or Colectivo Coffee.

The Famous Wings: Don't Miss the Show!

Time your visit to see the Burke Brise Soleil in action! The wings typically open with the museum, close and reopen at noon, then close again at day's end (weather permitting). It's like watching the building come to life – absolutely magical for kids of all ages.

Family-Friendly Features That Make the Difference

MAM goes above and beyond to welcome families:

• Strollers welcome in all galleries

• Family restrooms on multiple levels

• Free Wi-Fi throughout

• Free lockers for storing backpacks and large items

• Elevators to all levels

• Free audio guides (bring headphones and mobile device)

Practical Tips for a Successful Visit

What to Pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Small bag (large backpacks aren't allowed in galleries)

• Headphones for audio guides

• Pencils for sketching

• Snacks for before/after gallery visits

Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings (Wednesday or Friday around 10 a.m.) tend to be less crowded. Thursday evenings offer a unique, potentially quieter experience for families with older children.

Museum Etiquette Made Simple: Teaching kids museum manners is part of the adventure! Explain that we look with our eyes, not our hands, stay an arm's length from artwork, and use quiet voices to respect other visitors and the art.

We're incredibly fortunate to have world-class cultural institutions right in our backyard. The Milwaukee Art Museum isn't just a rainy-day activity – it's a place where families can create lasting memories while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation in our children.

Whether you're introducing a toddler to their first museum experience or deepening an older child's appreciation for art and architecture, MAM provides the perfect environment for families to explore, learn, and grow together.

Ready for Your Art Adventure?

The Milwaukee Art Museum proves that world-class art and family fun aren't mutually exclusive. With its welcoming atmosphere, interactive resources, and stunning architecture, it offers an experience that engages every member of the family.

So grab your comfortable shoes, pack some pencils, and prepare for an adventure that will leave your family with new perspectives, creative inspiration, and memories to last a lifetime. The art world is waiting – and it's more accessible and exciting than you might think!

Have you visited the Milwaukee Art Museum with your family? Share your favorite moments and tips in the comments below! And don't forget to tag us in your wing-opening photos – we love seeing North Shore families exploring Milwaukee's cultural treasures.