Milwaukee Public Museum: An Educational Haven in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Public Museum: An Educational Haven in Milwaukee, WI


Located in the prominent city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is an educational oasis that offers an abundance of cultural, natural, and scientific history for all visitors to enjoy. This beloved museum, founded in 1884, has grown to encompass three floors and nearly 655,000 square feet of crafted space dedicated to the exploration of natural history, anthropology, and science. The Milwaukee Public Museum is home to 28 galleries filled with artifacts, interactive space, and even an eco-dome theater. No matter what your interests are, Milwaukee Public Museum has something extraordinary to offer.
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The Milwaukee Public Museum's beginnings trace back to the Wisconsin Museum of Natural History, an organization founded in Milwaukee back in 1874. Watertown businessman, Charles E. Brown, served as the first president of the zoological society and arranged to donate specimens and archaeological excavations back to Wisconsin. Now, as an ode to these beginnings, the museum offers a glimpse into the past through its permanent Earth Science and Natural History Exhibit, filled with fossils, dioramas, and specimens that show the environment from bygone eras. The Piece Hall of Creation features a brilliant display showcasing the earth’s precious gemstones and minerals.
Learn more about Eat, Play, and Discover at Beautiful Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee.

Visitors can also explore the Anthropology galleries and enjoy a vibrant selection of objects and artifacts from all over the world, with a particular emphasis on Wisconsin’s Woodland Indian tribes. Here you can gain insight into the cultures and customs of ancient peoples that lived in Wisconsin centuries ago. The Anthropology galleries give prominence to the Milwaukee Public Museum’s two main collections: the John G. White Collection of Oriental Artifacts and the Wisconsin Anthropological Collection. There are also plenty of interactive displays showcasing the history of papermaking and the underwater art of shipbuilding in the Great Lakes.


In addition to its educational offerings, the Milwaukee Public Museum also has a varied selection of special exhibitions throughout the year. One such special exhibition is Ancient Egypt, a celebration of the art and culture of this great civilization. Visitors can gain insight into the religion, funerary customs, and everyday life of ancient Egyptian people while they explore a variety of mummies, tombs, and artifacts. The Milwaukee Public Museum also has a unique feature: its Calatrava-designed, three-story, glass-enclosed eco dome theater. The eco dome is a 120-foot diameter dome surrounded by seating for 350 people and offers a truly immersive audio-visual experience, projecting images from around the world on the huge screen. This incredible theater is the perfect venue for especially engaging film experiences and was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.


The Milwaukee Public Museum is truly unique in its educational offerings, immersive experiences, and historical collection. From its beginnings in 1884, the Milwaukee Public Museum has evolved into the thriving educational center and cultural institution it is today. With its 28 diverse galleries and state-of-the-art eco dome theater, the Milwaukee Public Museum has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a journey back in time, an escape from the present, or a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of ancient peoples, Milwaukee Public Museum is the place for you.

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