Go Kid Go - Galleries & Museums

galleries & museums

Milwaukee County

The Charles Allis Museum
1801 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee
The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
2220 N. Terrace Ave., Milwaukee

These two museums are operated by the same organization and have the same admission policies. Admission is FREE for children 13 years of age and younger, including those in groups, with at least one paid adult admission. Adult admission is $5.00 for non-members. Students, seniors 62+ and veterans are $3.00. Admission is FREE for active members of the military witih ID. A visitor’s guide is available for self-guided tours.

Docent-led tours are available for groups at $4.00 per person by reservation, and can be customized to a particular age or interest. To arrange a group tour, complete a simple Tour Request Form, which is available on the web site, and confirm with the Event Coordinator. These tours are most appropriate for children 6 years of age and older.

Villa Terrace tours take 45 to 60 minutes; guided tours in the summer also include an hour in the gardens. At Charles Allis, tours typically take 90 minutes. Villa Terrace offers the Art in the Garden tour and art class in the fall for school and scout groups.

For more information, call Judith Hooks, Events Coordinator, at (414) 271-3656 ext. 10 or visit www.cavtmuseums.org/ca/home.html

Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin
815 N. Lovell St., Milwaukee

Discovery World is a hands-on museum where kids can enjoy themselves while learning about science. The museum features exhibits, live theatre shows, science demonstrations, and special events. It's open Tuesday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Independence Days.

Children under age 3 are FREE. Kids ages3 to 17 are $12.95, college students with ID are $9.95. Adult admission is $16.95. Seniors 60 and over $14.95. Admission includes entrance to the Technology and Aquatarium buildings, the Reiman Aquariums, and daily film showings in the Innovation and Digital Theaters. Paid parking is available underneath the facility.

Special educational tour packages are designed to give you the ultimate experience for your day of exploration. Check the web site for information and pricing.

Through the Discoverer’s Fund, your group may be eligible for a scholarship that will allow you to visit Discovery World FREE or at a reduced rate. To find out more about the Fund and request a scholarship application, please call. Applications take two to three weeks to process, so be sure to apply well in advance of your visit.

Groups of 15 or more, call (414) 765-8625 or visit www.discoveryworld.org/

Grohmann Museum
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), 1000 N. Broadway, Milwaukee

The Grohmann Museum is one of the city’s newest attractions. The museum is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of art dedicated to the evolution of human work.

The museum’s core collection is displayed in galleries on three floors. Visitors will also find special themed exhibits, so there’s always something new. In addition, the museum has a beautiful rooftop sculpture garden, a café and store.

Admission is FREE for children age 10 or younger and MSOE students with an I.D. Admission for students ages 11 to 18 and seniors 65 and older, is $3.00; for all others it is $5.00.

Group and school tours are available. The museum is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday between noon and 6:00 p.m., and Sunday between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

For more information, call (414) 277-2300 or visit www.msoe.edu/manatwork

Haggerty Museum of Art
Marquette University, 13th and Clybourn Streets, Milwaukee

The Haggerty Museumhas more than 4,000 works of art, ranging from old masters to contemporary artists. Educational programs can be tailored to all ages, and can focus on current exhibitions or works from the museum’s permanent collection. The Haggerty Museum provides options that include FREE docent-led tours, teacher packets, hands-on workshops, exhibition-related lectures and gallery talks, performances, and concerts. Gallery guides are available for most exhibits, and brochures are published for major exhibitions.

Admission is FREE for everyone. The museum is open Monday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Thursday until 8:00 p.m., and Sunday between noon and 5:00 p.m. Parking is available in the Wells Street Parking structure.

To schedule a class or tour, contact Lynne Shumow, Curator of Education, at (414) 288-5915.

For more information, call (414) 288-1669 or visit www.marquette.edu/haggerty/

Harley Davidson Museum
400 Canal Street, Milwaukee

Visitors will hear stories of the extraordinary people, history and culture of Harley-Davidson. They’ll also see motorcycles… lots and lots of motorcycles. HD’s story is told through photos, videos, rare documents, and other fascinating items. Check the Events Calendar at the web site for special family and children’s events.

Admission is FREE to children under age 5, with an accompanying adult with paid admission. Ages 5 to 17 i $10.00. Military, students and seniors with a valid I.D. $12.00. All others $16.00. There is plenty of FREE parking.

Group rates are also available for 15 or more people. Adult group price is $12.00 per person; school groups are $5.00 per person. To arrange a group visit, e-mail the Group Sales Manager at groups@h-dmuseum.com.

For more information, call 1-877-HD MUSEUM or visit www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/content/pages/hd_museum/museum.jsp?locale=en_us

Latino Arts, Inc. Auditorium and Gallery
1028 S. 9th Street, Milwaukee

The Latino Arts, Inc. Gallery is the only gallery in Milwaukee dedicated to the work of Hispanic and Latin American artists, ranging from indigenous craftspeople to contemporary masters of the avant-garde. The exhibits have been carefully selected for their cultural and educational value.

Admission is FREE, although a $1.00 donation per person is requested. The public is invited to attend free opening receptions, but the staff asks that those who wish to add contact the gallery in advance.

Student groups can experience a unique, multi-cultural experience that includes art, music, history, the Spanish language, and cultural studies at a small cost per student. Other youth programs are also offered.

A brochure is available to assist groups as they walk through the gallery, which is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

For more information, call the United Community Center at (414) 384-3100 or visit www.latinoartsinc.org/exhibits.htm

Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) has gained worldwide recognition in the last few years because of the new addition designed by Santiago Calatrava. The museum's collection is definitely worth a day or more of exploration.

Due to the fragile nature of most of the museum’s artwork, it is imperative that adults monitor and supervise children closely. A visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum is most appropriate for children age 5 and older.

The museum offers FREE admission to members and children age 12 and younger, but there must be at least one adult with paid admission for every five children. Admission is $12 for students with a high school or college I.D., Adults $15, for seniors 65 and older, and for active military personnel. On Wednesdays, admission is FREE for Milwaukee County residents with proof of residency. However groups of 10 or more children are not eligible for the Milwaukee County Residents’ Day free admission offer.

Groups must register in advance, whether they plan self-guided or docent-led tours. Docent availability is limited and reservations are required at least six to eight weeks in advance of desired date. Tours are $2 per student. One adult chaperone per 10 students is required, and these adults are admitted free. One additional adult per 10 students is admitted at the student rate of $2 per person. Additional adults must pay the full adult group tour admission price. Fees for other school group programs may vary.

The museum offers a variety of special family events and programs and summer camps for children of all ages. Visit the web site for information.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except Thursdays, when it is open until 8:00 p.m. MAM is closed Mondays, except holidays.

For more information, call (414) 224-3200 for visitor services, (414) 224-3842 for group tours, or visit www.mam.org

The Milwaukee County Historical Society
910 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee

When it re-opens Milwaukee County Historical Society will offer a variety of FREE activities and resources. The Historical Center, in downtown Milwaukee, houses a museum, library, and historical archives. Those willing to take a self-guided tour are admitted FREE to the Center.

Guided tours will be offered for groups of 10 to 60 individuals. School tours are designed for kids in grades three through 12. There are also tours for adults. Tours must be arranged at least 10 working days in advance of the desired date. Start times are flexible and most tours last one to one and one-half hours. Call for more information about group admission rates or to schedule a tour.

For more information, call (414) 273-8288 or www.milwaukeehistory.net

Milwaukee Public Museum
800 West Wells St., Milwaukee

Want to see a T-Rex dine on a Triceratops? How about giant bugs that live in a rainforest? Maybe you’d prefer a mummy or two? Then you should visit the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM).

Admission is FREE all day Monday with proof of Milwaukee County residency; each adult in a group must show proof: a driver’s license, library card, business letterhead, or canceled personal mail.

Children 2 years of age and younger are always FREE. Regular prices are $14.00 for adults; $11.00 for students with a valid I.D., seniors 60 and older, and teens 13 to 17; and $10.00 for children ages 3 to 12. Youth 12 years of age and under are not permitted in the Museum Complex without a chaperone at least 16 years of age.

The MPM's exhibit halls are open Monday through Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The museum is closed on July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Please note that there is an additional charge for admission to special exhibits, the Humphrey IMAX Dome Theatre, and the Daniel Soref Planetarium. For information on shows and ticket pricing at the IMAX or Planetarium, visit the web site.

Groups are welcome at the museum, but they must register in advance of their visit. Groups that don’t register in advance may be denied admittance. Reduced fees are available for groups of 15 or more people. For questions about group tours, please call (414) 278-2728 or (888) 700-9069, or email GroupTours@mpm.edu

The museum offers a variety of children’s programs and camps for individual kids, scout and school groups. Visit the web site for information.

For more information, call (414) 278-2714 or visit www.mpm.edu

Mitchell Gallery of Flight
Mitchell International Airport, 5300 S. Howell Ave, Milwaukee

The Mitchell Gallery of Flight is a very small, non-profit aviation museum located inside Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport. The museum consists mainly of overhead displays and assorted floor-standing display cases.

Admission is FREE. Viewers must be able to read the information on their own, making this an activity more suitable for children age 10 or older.

As a courtesy, please inform the airport if you intend to take a group to the gallery. They will notify security that a group will be walking through the public areas of the airport.

For more information, call (414) 747-5300 or visit www.mitchellgallery.org

Tory Folliard Gallery
233 N Milwaukee St., Milwaukee

Established in 1988, the Tory Folliard Gallery is one of Wisconsin's leading contemporary art galleries. Its mission is to showcase museum quality artwork by regional and national artists. The Gallery presents in-depth exhibitions in its large warehouse space, with a focus on traditional media and content.

Admission is FREE.

This is a retail gallery—the art is for sale—but groups and families are allowed to look around and view the creations. Children need to be supervised closely, as some of the art pieces are fragile. Groups of 10 or more must call in advance to schedule a visit.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

For more information, call (414) 273-7311 or visit www.toryfolliard.com

Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum
2620 West Center Street, Milwaukee

Based on the premise that a people who know their history appreciate themselves and others more, the Society is striving turn a sad past into a bright future.

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum documents and preserves the story of African-Americans in Wisconsin, and serves as a resource center for anyone interested this heritage. In addition, the Museum encourages and promotes family, community and cultural activities.

General admission is $5.00, senior citizens are $4.00, and children age 12 and under are $3.00. Please call ahead to confirm hours of operation. Group tours are also available. To schedule a group tour, visitors should call the museum at least three weeks in advance.

For more information, call (414) 372-7677, or visit wbhsm.homestead.com

Waukesha County

Old World Wisconsin
S103 W37890 Highway 67, Eagle

Old World Wisconsin offers visitors a journey into Wisconsin’s past. It vividly recreates working farmsteads and immigrant settlements, complete with teams of oxen and horses working in the fields, farm folk preparing hearty meals over wood-burning stoves, and native plants in well-tended gardens.

Admission is FREE for children under age 5. Regular admission is $9.00 for children ages 5 to 17, $14.00 for students and seniors, and $16.00 for adults. Family admission for two adults and two or more dependent children is $43.00. Group rates are available for adults and children, and field trip rates may apply for school-aged groups. Admission includes an all-day tram pass.

Themed field trips at reduced rates are available by reservation. Summer camps and workshops are offered; please see the web site.

Open seasonally from May 1 through October 31. Hours vary so please check the web site. There is special pre- and post-season event information on the web site.

For more information or to plan a group visit, call Jenny at (262) 594-6301 or visit oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/Visit/AdmissionsHours.aspx

Washington County

Bast Bell Museum
N128 W18780 Holy Hill Road, Germantown

This unusual museum features Sila Lydia Bast’s collection of more than 5,000 bells. Collected from all over the world, the bells are displayed in a restored barn that dates back to 1870. The museum is nestled in the heart of historic Dhiensville. Germantown Hunsrucker Oktoberfest is held annually the last weekend in September and features authentic German food, dancers and music.

The museum is open May 1 through November 1, Wednesday through Sunday, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Group tours are available year round for groups of ten or more by appointment.

Admission is FREE for children age 4 and under. Admission is $2.00 for children 5 to 12, $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors. A complete tour of the pre-Civiil War settlement is available for $8.00.

For more information and tours, call (262) 628-3170 or visit www.bastbellmuseum.com/bast_bell_museum.html

Museum of Wisconsin Art
300 South 6th Avenue, West Bend

The Museum of Wisconsin Art was founded in 1961 to collect and house the works of Milwaukee-born artist Carl von Marr (1858-1936). It currently holds the best and most comprehensive collection of his work anywhere. In 1998, after realizing that no other institution featured a comprehensive collection of work by native-to-Wisconsin artists, the Early Wisconsin Art Collection was launched. Since then it has grown to be the most extensive collection of its kind.

Admission is FREE for children under age 12, and for members of the museum. Admission is $5 for adults, $3.00 for seniors 62 and older, full-time students, and children ages 12 to 18. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and on Sunday between 1:00 and 4:30 p.m. Closed on major holidays.

Art in Action is offered on the third Saturday every other month, i.e. April, June, August, and October. Families are invited to drop in for special art making projects, gallery tours, exploration games, performances and surprises – no additional charge. Art classes are also offered.

The Museum of Wisconsin Art offers tours to most groups. Financial assistance for transportation is also available to schools.

For more information, call (262) 334-9638 or visit www.wisconsinart.org

Racine County

Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts
2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine

Offering one of the largest museum-based studio art programs in Wisconsin, RAM's Wustum Museum hosts studio art classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Classes cover basic to advanced techniques in painting, ceramics, art metals, stained glass, basketry, sculpture, papermaking, decorative furniture painting and computer-based art.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, Federal Holidays and Easter.

For more information, call (262) 636-9177 or visit www.ramart.org/ram/Wustum-Museum/

Racine Art Museum
441 Main Street, Racine

With a concentration in ceramics, fibers, glass, metals and wood, RAM features one of the most significant collections of contemporary crafts in North America. Its permanent collection of more than 3,500 items includes works by Dale Chihuly, Joel Philip Myers, Wendell Castle, Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Lia Cook, Peter Voulkos, Albert Paley, Toshiko Takaezu, Arline Fisch and several hundred other well-known artists.

Admission is FREE for Racine County residents with ID on the first Friday of each month. Admission is always FREE to children age 12 and under. General admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors 62 and older, full-time students, and kids ages12 to 18. RAM is open Tuesday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday between noon and 5:00 p.m.

Visit the web site for information about FREE first Friday activities, Family Days and Kids Days.

Group tours are available for 10 or more people. Tours must be arranged in advance. The tour admission price for children and young adults is $2.00 per person. Special interest tours are available, but may involve additional fees. One chaperone is required for every ten children, or one chaperone for every three to five children with special needs. Every required chaperone is free. Additional chaperones pay regular admission fees. Thursday and Friday are recommended for school groups. Contact Tricia Blasko, Interim Curator of Education at (262) 636-9177 for cost and availability.

For more information, call (262) 638-8300 or visit www.ramart.org

Racine Heritage Museum
701 S. Main Street, Racine

From astronaut Laurel Clark and architect Frank Lloyd Wright to Case steam tractors and the Underground Railroad, the Heritage Museum of Racine has something for everyone. The Museum contains more than 200,000 artifacts of southeastern Wisconsin’s economic and cultural history.

Admission for everyone is FREE. Special events and customized programs are available to groups and schools for a fee. One chaperone is required for every 10 children. Advance reservations for groups are required.

The museum is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call (262) 636-3926 or visit www.racineheritagemuseum.org

Racine Astronomical Society
112 63rd Drive, Union Grove

The Modine Benstead Observatory includes two domed observatories, each with 16-inch and a 14-inch telescopes. Public night open house events are held monthly from April through September. During these events, visitors have the chance to look through the Society’s telescopes at the night sky. The Society encourages families to join in these events, but asks that young children be monitored closely because there are no lights on the grounds to allow for better viewing of the skies. Astronomical equipment found at the RAS observatory can be extremely valuable, so caution is advised.

On occasion, dozens of visitors may be waiting in line to look through a particular telescope, so patience is a must… and greatly appreciated. Visitors’ questions are welcomed, since part of the club’s mission is to educate and inspire everyone to participate in the world of amateur astronomy.

Admission and parking are FREE, however, as a non-profit organization run by volunteers, the Society encourages a small donation during visits to help defray the yearly costs of observatory maintenance and care.

If the skies are cloudy on the night of an open house, a message canceling the event will be posted on the observatory’s answering machine. Visitors should dress appropriately for nighttime weather.

For more information, call (262) 878-2774 or visit www.rasastro.org

Kenosha County

Civil War Museum
5400 First Avenue, Kenosha

The Civil War Museum in Kenosha is unlike any other in the country. This is because its focus is on how the war was experienced on the home front, and between the home front and the battlefront. Life-size dioramas and interactive exhibits take visitors through the social, political and economic influences that contributed to the Civil War.

Admission is FREE for children age 15 and under when accompanied by a paying adult. Adult admission is $7.00. Admission for Kenosha And Town of Somers residents is $5.00. The museum is open Sunday and Monday between noon and 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except closed Mondays September 1 through Februrary 28 and holidays. The Resource Center hours are Sunday through Friday between noon and 5:00 p.m., and Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Special events for history buffs are held throughout the year and are posted on the web site.

The museum offers school programs and tours by reservation, and period reenactments and other special events. For group visits, talk to Rebecca Stevens at (262) 653-4433.

For more information, call (262) 653-4140 or visit www.kenosha.org/civilwar/index.html

Dinosaur Discovery Museum
5608 Tenth Avenue, Kenosha

The Dinosaur Discovery Museum (DDM) is the only museum to focus exclusively on the link between birds and carnivorous meat-eating dinosaurs. The main gallery of the museum shows how these dinosaurs changed into birds over time.

The Dinosaur Discovery Museum has 18 species of carnivorous dinosaurs on display, more than any other museum in the nation. In fact, nine of the dinosaurs on display can be seen only at DDM.

Admission is FREE. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.

FREE Dino Digs offer hands-on learning and fun for children ages three and up. Donning safety goggles and using paleontologists' tools, children can become amateur paleontologists and dig for dinosaurs at our simulated excavation sites. The Digs are available FREE on most Saturdays, but please call the Museum in advance for the schedule. Also FREE, the Kids Discovery Lab is stocked with coloring sheets and dinosaur rubbings for children and educational dinosaur books for all ages. Parents are invited to join their children in learning the fascinating history of dinosaurs. Check the Kids Page on the web site for more programs.

Group tours for 15-30 people are available by appointment, but fees may apply. Tours and programs are offered Wednesday through Friday mornings. Contact Rebecca Stevens at (262) 653-4433.

For more information, call (262) 653-4450 or visit www.kenosha.org/dinosaurdiscovery/index.html

Kenosha Public Museum
5500 First Avenue, Kenosha

The Kenosha Public Museum is both a natural science museum and a fine and decorative arts museum. Since 1933, its collection has grown to more than 70,000 items. Exhibits include world cultures, Native Americans, zoology, geology, and fossils, as well as fine and decorative arts.

Admission to the Kenosha Public Museum is FREE. The museum is open Sunday and Monday between noon and 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except closed Mondays from September 1 through Februrary 28 and holidays.

Group tours are available by appointment, and fees may apply. Contact Rebecca Stevens at (262) 653-4433.

Visit the web site the schedule of educational programs. While there are programs available for preschoolers, most of the museum’s programs are best suited for children age 8 and older.

For more information, call (262) 653-4140 or visit www.kenosha.org/museum