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Milwaukee Art Museum

February 4, 2013 by admin

IMG_1504We’ve had the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) on our short list of local places to visit.  But we’ve been intimidated by the admission cost.  Even though children 12 and under are free, adults pay $15 to enter.  It is an expensive endeavor, when you consider parking costs and lunch on top of the admittance fee.  But we lucked out with a buy-one-get-one coupon for an adult ticket, and it was finally time to head to the MAM.

After some research, we discovered that there is a surface lot on the north side of the MAM, where you can park all day for $6.  This is MUCH cheaper than the MAM’s underground lot.  And you get to view the small public display section of the War Memorial Center as you wait for your elevator to the MAM.

The architecture of the MAM is awe inspiring both inside and out.  The admission staff is incredibly friendly and quickly got us orientated with a map and directions to the free coat check.  Once we were ready to explore, we headed to the Kohl’s Art Generation wing.

Tip#1:  As in most art museums, the “security” staff is not as family friendly as you would hope.  Just ignore them as they snip at you and they’ll eventually wander away.

The Kohl wing is a fantastic, family-friendly, and hands-on area of the museum.  You can pick up free art packs, which contain either material for sketching or themed textiles (some with costumes).  You can keep these packs for the day, switch them out if you desire, and enhance your exploring.  When you return the cases, your child will get to pick out a small prize.

This area also has a large arts & crafts space with a themed project.  But you are welcome to create your own masterpiece with their large supply of materials.  The staff is very helpful and engaging.  They have smocks for you to borrow while working on your art and a large sink area to clean up.  If you ask, you can leave your creations in a corner to dry and then return to pick everything up at the end of your visit.IMG_1511

Tip #2:  Bring your own food to the MAM to eat somewhere on their gorgeous grounds or inside at a random table or bench.  The MAM’s café is horribly overpriced.  And unless tablecloths, waiters, and hostesses are your speed for a family meal, it isn’t a welcoming atmosphere.

We explored the MAM for about 2 ½ hours and didn’t come close to seeing all the art.  Even though we had a lovely time, we won’t return to the MAM until the weather is warmer.  We want to be able to enjoy the expansive grounds and witness the opening and closing of the MAM’s wings.

Tip #3:  Don’t bother with the gift shop unless you have money to spare.  And be sure to experience a ride in the circular glass elevator!

 


3 Comments

  1. Irv says:

    Did you know that MAM is free every 1st Thursday of the month? It’s called Free 1st Thursday i believe.

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