Amazing Art Inside and Out: Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM)

Submitted by: Michele Matucheski, AHIP

As we gather in Milwaukee for MLA26, our minds will be buzzing with new research, innovative practices, and the vital role we play in healthcare. But amidst the excellent sessions and networking opportunities, remember to take a moment to nourish your creative and aesthetic senses!

Milwaukee, often celebrated for its brewing heritage and vibrant culinary scene, also boasts a surprisingly rich and diverse art landscape. And as medical librarians, who spend so much time immersed in the intricate details of science and data, a visit to an art museum can be a truly refreshing and inspiring experience.

During your downtime, consider exploring The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM).

An architectural marvel in itself, the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its iconic “wings” (the Burke Brise Soleil), is an absolute must-see. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, MAM houses an impressive collection spanning from antiquity to the present day. You’ll find European and American art, decorative arts, folk art, and a particularly strong collection of Haitian art. The building itself is a work of art, offering stunning views both inside and out. It’s the perfect place to get lost in beauty for a few hours. When weather conditions and wind speeds permit, the Burke Brise Soleil (or “wings”) opens with the Museum, closes and reopens at noon, and closes with the Museum.