There are many museums near Journal Commons to discover Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s rich history. Take a look at all the places within walking distance where you can learn about what was, what is, and what’s to come!
Milwaukee County Historical Society
The Milwaukee County Historical Society (MCHS)was established in 1935. Its purpose is “to preserve and present Milwaukee” with educational programs, exhibitions, events, and historical sites.
Initially serving as the Milwaukee County records repository, the MCHS has over one million documents and photographs and over 60,000 artifacts in its possession.
Today, people can visit several locations, including the primary location in downtown Milwaukee along the Milwaukee River, Shorewood’s Kilbourntown House in Estabrook Park, and the Trimborn Farm and Jeremiah Curtin House in Greendale.
910 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Wed – Sat 9:30 AM – 5 PM, Sun – Tue Closed
(414) 273-8288
milwaukeehistory.net
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) was chartered in 1882, with its roots dating back to the German-English Academy in Milwaukee established in 1851. Peter Engelmann, the Academy’s principal, “encouraged student field trips” where many “organic, geological, and archaeological” specimens were collected.
The collection snowballed, and Engelmann created a natural history society in 1857 to accommodate the growth. As growth continued, city alderman and national history society member August Stirn acquired legislation for the City of Milwaukee to transition the collection into “a free public museum.”
The Milwaukee Public Museum officially opened on May 24, 1884. Presently, the MPM has permanent exhibits spanning three and a half floors with extra space for touring and temporary exhibitions. Educators can learn more about MPM’s programs and research collections.
800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Wed – Mon 10 AM – 5 PM, Tue Closed
(4140 278-2728
Milwaukee Public Museum Website
Grohmann Museum
The Grohmann Museum, donated by Dr. Eckhart Grohmann, is the world’s largest art collection devoted to “the evolution of human work.” Dr. Grohmann is a Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Regent and art collector who gifted the collection and funds in 2001.
The collection consists of over 1,500 paintings, sculptures, and other works between 1580 and the present. Numerous styles and subjects capture how work has evolved, “from farming and mining to trades as glassblowing and seaweed gathering.”
Visit the museum to learn more about the building features, exhibitions, and events.
1000 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Mon – Fri 9 AM – 5 PM, Sat 12 PM – 6 PM, Sun 1 PM – 4 PM
(414) 277-2300
Grohmann Museum Website
Wisconsin Marine Historical Society
The Wisconsin Marine Historical Society (WMHS) is a non-profit organization created in 1959 and partnered with the Milwaukee Public Library. The self-sustaining Society comprises 150 members dedicated “to collecting, preserving, archiving, and making materials related to Great lakes marine history accessible to the public.”
The Milwaukee Public Library houses the enormous Great Lakes Marine Collection, which happens to be one of the most prominent Great Lakes resources in the world. Visitors can find over 11,000 vessel files, 32,000 vessel index files, and more than 50,000 pictures alongside journals, manuscripts, nautical charts, and other materials.
Dive into the WMHS’s quarterly newsletter, Soundings, and learn more about the impact the Great Lakes’ and St. Lawrence Seaway’s had on commerce and industry.
814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (Inside the Milwaukee Public Library Central Branch)
Mon & Tue 10 AM – 8 PM, Wed – Fri 10 AM – 6 PM, Sat 9 AM – 5 PM, Sun Closed
(414) 286-3074
Wisconsin Marine Historical Society Website
Photoverse Selfie Museum
The Photoverse Selfie Museum is made possible by 3rd Street Market Hall and the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). The Selfie Museum hosts 27 interactive, multidimensional photo stations created by local MIAD artists.
Grab your camera, friends, and family and book a photo session or party. After you check out their gallery and read through their FAQs, book your tickets for your visit today!
275 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (Floor G, The Avenue MKE)
Mon, Fri, & Sat 11 AM – 9 PM, Tue – Thur 11 AM – 8 PM, Sun 11 AM – 7 PM
(414) 249-5062
Photoverse Selfie Museum Website
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