Why I Think Art Lovers Should Come to Milwaukee

When you think about great artistic cities, a trip to Milwaukee probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But it should be! 

I grew up in Milwaukee with an artistic family; both my parents are writers and my father worked in film. They made sure my sisters and I experienced the best of Milwaukee’s art scene when we were young. Now, decades later, I still love going to the venues they introduced us to. 

Still considered a “hidden gem” in the artistic world for some reason, here’s what travelers should know about Milwaukee’s vibrant art scene. 

Visual Art in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) is spectacular to look at. Located on Lake Michigan’s shore, the Midwestern institution has a unique seagull form created by famed architect Santiago Calatrava. But what’s inside is just as impressive.

I’ve been to the MAM dozens of times, seeing everything from its great Georgia O’Keeffe collection to American folk art. Its contemporary collections are especially good. I also recommend checking out the unique collections of 20th-century Haitian art and documentary photography.

MAM puts on fabulous events as well. My mother and I went to a weekend arts gathering here where we participated in a silent auction (I won a great beauty package!) and took a flower-arranging class.

However, MAM isn’t Milwaukee’s only great visual arts institution. My father used to teach at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD). The shows of student and faculty work are always something I look forward to. Their Creativity Series even brings in artists from different fields for public talks.

You can see the work of MIAD graduates, among others, in the great Third Ward district galleries. Two of the top ones are the Tory Folliard Gallery and the Lily Pad Gallery. But you can also spend an afternoon wandering the area and popping into any gallery that catches your eye.

Dance in Milwaukee

I’m slightly biased when it comes to the Milwaukee Ballet, as I took lessons there growing up. It combines world-class dancers, contemporary and classical repertoire, and new facilities. Objectively, it’s a great institution. 

You can see the Milwaukee Ballet perform at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. The hidden gem of the company, however, is MBII, the “second company.” Young dancers beginning their careers start here, and it’s a delight to watch their talent develop.

My mother and I went to see MBII perform a series of short pieces at their black box theater in Third Ward this past January. The talent and diversity of the company blew us away.

Milwaukee Theater

Milwaukee’s art highlights don’t stop ballet and visual art. You can also see great theater works performed by The Milwaukee Rep. They perform in three spaces inside the Associated Bank Theater Center. My favorite is seeing them perform A Christmas Carol at the fancy Pabst Theater downtown every Christmas!

Milwaukee’s also close enough to Spring Green‘s American Players Theater for a day trip. This amazing troupe performs Shakespeare outdoors every summer in their hilltop amphitheater. They also work classic and contemporary plays into their repertoire.

Music in Milwaukee

My parents have gone to Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performances for decades. The symphony has an incredible music director, Ken-David Masur. The group performs both classical and contemporary programs.

For those who want live concerts, Milwaukee has plenty of venues! I’ve seen more than one show at places like The Rave and Turner Hall Ballroom. These are also great venues for stand-up comedy and other live performances.

No discussion of Milwaukee music would be complete without mentioning Summerfest. This enormous annual festival takes place over three weekends in June and July. It brings in crowds—and musical acts—from all over the world for performances on its multiple stages. As a kid, I saw everything from Lilith Fair to Ben Folds at these festival grounds!

Literature in Milwaukee

I’m a writer, so I can’t write about Milwaukee art without mentioning a few of its bookstores. It’s an unusual city because some of its most popular bookstores are independent.

This is particularly true of the East Side’s Boswell Book Company. I’ve given readings here, but before that, I was a lifelong shopper. The amazing and friendly management puts on incredible events. They also buy back used books and put them on the shelves next to new copies, making it easy to comparison shop a particular title you’re interested in.

Down in Riverwest, Woodland Pattern prides itself on featuring local authors. It has a great selection of poetry and nonfiction. Don’t miss its events! My mother and sister, both poets, have participated in readings here. The warm community always makes these gatherings a ton of fun.

Finally, don’t forget about the writing programs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and MIAD, as well as other local colleges. They have events focused on the creative process as well as events hosting writers. 

Film in Milwaukee

There are tons of movie theaters in Milwaukee, but there’s nothing quite like the Oriental Theatre on the Lower East Side. 

This 1927 cinema has lavish decor and is supposedly the only American movie theater with East Asian decor. If your show is in one of the smaller rooms, make sure to pop into the main theater for a look at the luxe walls and balcony. 

Oriental Theatre’s sister institution, The Downer Theater, recently closed. However, the Oriental Theater keeps independent film events alive in Milwaukee. You can go to a Saturday midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or attend the April Milwaukee Film Festival. 

Takeaways: Arts in Milwaukee

No matter what type of art you love, you’ll find amazing institutions and people making and showing them in Milwaukee!

Want to hear more about underrated places in the Midwest? Read Lea Rose’s piece on why she thinks Northern Michigan is America’s hidden gem.