Milwaukee Museums: Where to Find Art and Culture During MLA ’26
Submitted by: Barbara Ruggeri
As you prepare to join colleagues in Milwaukee for MLA ’26, take time to explore a city rich in culture, creativity, and history. From world-class art collections and immersive science experiences to historic libraries and museums that tell powerful community stories, Milwaukee offers something for every curious mind. Whether you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for the arts, connect with local history, or simply enjoy a memorable outing between sessions, these museums and cultural institutions provide meaningful opportunities to extend your conference experience beyond the meeting space.
Milwaukee Public Museum
As a natural history museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum provides an immersive experience that allows guests to explore the wonders of the natural world, the diverse cultures that inhabit our planet, and the histories that have shaped our modern lives. MPM also contains a unique exhibit called the Streets of Old Milwaukee, which transports the visitor back to a fall evening in Milwaukee at the turn of the 20th century. It is the most visited spot in the Museum. Directly adjacent is the European Village, which is a re-creation of carefully selected examples of homes as they may have appeared about 1875 to 1925, providing a picture of daily life that was characteristic of many Europeans who came to the United States at that time.
Milwaukee Art Museum
More than 34,000 artworks from antiquity to today comprise the Milwaukee Art Museum’s expansive collection. American and European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts; conceptual and minimalist art; prints and drawings; photography and new media; modern and contemporary design; folk and self-taught art; and 20th-century Haitian art count among its strengths. Housed in buildings designed by architects Santiago Calatrava (2001), David Kahler (1975), and Eero Saarinen (1957), the Milwaukee Art Museum is an essential destination for both art and architecture.
Marquette Raynor Library – J.R.R. Tolkien Collection **Special tour event**
Since 1957, Marquette University has owned the original manuscripts for J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Come see a selection of original manuscripts from this vast collection. The event on Tuesday, May 19, at 4:30 p.m., central time, begins with a presentation by the collection’s curator who will talk about the manuscripts on display and provide insights into Tolkien as an author. Afterwards, visitors will have ample time to view these treasures more closely. The Raynor Library is closed to the public and only MLA members who register for the tour will be admitted.
**Register for a special tour of the J.R.R. Tolkien Collection – Here.
Harley-Davidson Museum
Visit the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum to experience the rich history and culture of the iconic brand. Through engaging stories and interactive exhibits, guests can explore the legacy of camaraderie, self-expression, and love for the open road. Home to an unparalleled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, the H-D Museum spans two floors of exhibits and sits on a scenic 20-acre park-like campus. Visitors can enjoy unique shopping and dining experiences, as well as a full calendar of events and activities.
Discovery World
Located on Milwaukee’s lakefront between the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Summerfest grounds, Discovery World is an extraordinary experience devoted to sharing the wonders of science and igniting a love of endless exploration. Discovery World is Wisconsin’s premier science museum featuring a world-class aquarium, hands-on interactive exhibits, and immersive educational experiences.
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is a meticulously preserved Italian Renaissance-style villa, perched majestically on the bluffs overlooking the lake. It serves as an exquisite backdrop for a dynamic rotation of contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing the diverse talents of both local and international artists, and fostering a dialogue between historical elegance and modern expression.
America’s Black Holocaust Museum
America’s Black Holocaust Museum was founded in 1988 in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin storefront by Dr. James Cameron, the only known survivor of a lynching. ABHM’s new galleries are located on the very footprint of our first building in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville neighborhood. On the ground floor of the new Griot Building (named for Dr. Cameron), the new galleries take visitors on a chronological journey through the Black Holocaust from 1619 to the present.
Milwaukee Public Library – Central Library
Visit the Central Library or go on a tour of this historical library. The vast collections of the Central Library are used not only by the downtown population, but by the whole city and the greater Milwaukee area. Central Library also serves as a resource library for the state.
In addition, Central Library is the administrative headquarters for the Milwaukee Public Library system. This system also meets the needs of Milwaukee’s neighborhoods through 12 branch libraries and the community outreach van. The Milwaukee Public Library was founded in 1878. After several moves, the Central Library was built in response to the need for more spacious quarters. It opened its doors to the public on October 3, 1898.
The original structure is a combination of French and Italian Renaissance styles built of Bedford limestone. Several additions help make up the block-long building that stands today. Central Library has been designated a landmark by the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Milwaukee County Historical Society
The Milwaukee County Historical Society was founded in 1935 and has become the place for people to learn about and to celebrate Milwaukee. The downtown Historical Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. MCHS was founded in 1935 as the repository for County records and since that time has continued to expand our services to the community. More than one million documents and photographs and more than 75,000 artifacts are preserved by MCHS, and it is our hope to share these resources with the community.
The MCHS headquarters is in a historic bank building along the Milwaukee River in downtown Milwaukee at 910 N Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (formerly North Old World Third Street). This location houses the museum, research library, offices, some collections storage and events and educational programs throughout the year.
Grohmann Museum
The Grohmann Museum at the Milwaukee School of Engineering is an art museum whose collection focuses on the historical evolution and visual representation of human labor. The museum is the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work.
Haggerty Museum of Art
The Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University is a place where art and ideas come alive—free of charge and open to all. Through innovative exhibitions, arts education experiences, and thought-provoking public programs, we invite both the university campus and the broader Milwaukee community to discover, question, and connect. Working with regional and national artists, collaborating with distinguished faculty across all disciplines, partnering with community organizations, and advancing collections inquiry, the museum is a vital forum for dialogue—to spark reflection, inspire action, and encourage positive change for the greater good.
Pabst Mansion
Pabst Mansion is an award-winning historic house museum that preserves, shares, and interprets an iconic Milwaukee home that serves as a testament to the Gilded Age.
Jewish Museum of Milwaukee
The Jewish Museum Milwaukee is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Jewish people in Wisconsin and celebrating the continuum of Jewish heritage and culture. The museum offers three special exhibits, guided tours, and over 40 programs annually. It memorializes the resilience of the Jewish people and others who have suffered inhumane treatment, celebrates Jewish achievements, and fosters justice for all through reflective conversations on history and current events.
National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum seeks to provide access to the world’s largest collection of Bobbleheads, to advance an understanding of the historical role Bobbleheads play in American culture, and to celebrate the fun and quirky side of collecting.
No matter your interests, Milwaukee’s museums offer a unique window into the ideas, histories, and communities that shape the region—and resonate with the work of health information professionals. As you plan your time during MLA ’26, consider adding one (or a few) of these destinations to your itinerary. Exploring Milwaukee’s cultural landscape is not only a chance to recharge, but also an opportunity to spark inspiration, foster connection, and bring fresh perspectives back to your work.
Take a look at this Google Map of local Libraries and Museums near the Baird Center for your trip to Milwaukee.