Milwaukee Public Museum Move: What Families Need to Know

Milwaukee families have been hearing about the Milwaukee Public Museum’s big move for years, and now the timeline is finally clear. The current building will remain open through all of 2026, giving everyone one full year to revisit favorite exhibits before the museum transitions to its new home in downtown Milwaukee.

Below is a simple, parent-friendly guide to what’s happening, what’s coming next, and what families can expect from the brand-new Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin, opening in the first half of 2027.

---

At a Glance (Quick Facts for Parents)

• The current MPM building stays open through December 2026.
• The final day open to the public is January 3, 2027.
• The new museum will be called the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin.
• Expected opening: first half of 2027.
• 2026 will feature a full year of special “Greatest Hits” programming celebrating iconic exhibits.
• The new museum includes four floors of exhibits, a dramatic light well, a Butterfly Vivarium, a rooftop garden, a Planetarium & Dome Theater, and modern sustainability features.
• The project is well underway, with construction updates shared at mpm.edu/future.

---

When the Current Milwaukee Public Museum Will Close

Families still have plenty of time to visit the familiar favorites.
The museum confirmed:

• Open all year in 2026
• Last operating day: January 3, 2027

It’s the perfect window to swing by old favorites like the Streets of Old Milwaukee, European Village, the Rainforest, and the dinosaurs before they transition into their next chapter.

---

What’s Coming: The New Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin

The new home for Milwaukee’s natural history collections is being built in the Haymarket neighborhood on 6th and McKinley, near the Deer District. The project brings together design teams from Ennead Architects and Kahler Slater, with landscape design from GGN.

Here’s what families will find in the new space:

Inspired by Wisconsin’s Landscape

The rounded exterior, textured stonework, and warm tones all nod to Wisconsin’s natural history — from the sandstone bluffs of Mill Bluff State Park to the well-known Cream City brick.

Four Floors of Exhibit Space

Inside, the museum’s exhibits will be centered around a vertical light well. This design allows sunlight (and even moonlight) to filter down into the open Museum Commons without exposing sensitive artifacts to direct light.

The Butterfly Vivarium & Rooftop Garden

One of the most anticipated features is the rooftop garden filled with native plants and a new Butterfly Vivarium. Visitors will walk among butterflies in a warm, tropical environment with outdoor views.

Planetarium & Dome Theater

A state-of-the-art Daniel M. Soref Planetarium and Dome Theater will be part of the new museum, offering updated technology and immersive educational programming.

Sustainable Features

Families will also notice the building’s environmental design elements, which include:

• A rain garden
• Bird-friendly glass
• Natural ventilation
• Green roof
• Thoughtful landscaping with native species

---

A Full Year of “Greatest Hits” Programming in 2026

Before the move, the museum will spend 2026 celebrating its most beloved exhibits with a year-long program called Greatest Hits. Each theme highlights the exhibits that generations of Milwaukee families grew up with.

Here’s a look at what the celebrations will focus on (without date-specific language so this stays evergreen):

Ancient Civilizations

A spotlight on the Crossroads of Civilization exhibit and the stories of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Persia.

Diorama-RAMA

A fresh take on the museum’s famous “Milwaukee-style” dioramas, including classics like the Muskrats.

Rainforest & Butterflies

A celebration of the Rainforest exhibit and the beloved Butterfly Vivarium.

Dino Days of Summer

Hands-on fun for dinosaur fans, including fossil activities and family-friendly learning experiences.

Streets of Old Milwaukee & European Village

The museum’s most nostalgic walk-through exhibits will close out the year with themed celebrations and seasonal décor.

---

What Families Can Expect in the New Museum Experience

The new museum is designed to feel brighter, more immersive, and more connected to Wisconsin’s natural world. Parents can expect:

• Modern, interactive exhibits
• More hands-on learning
• Better accessibility throughout the building
• Outdoor garden and café seating
• Spacious exhibit floors with easier navigation
• Updated technology throughout

It’s designed for a more open, exploratory experience that still honors the spirit of the original museum.

---

Where to Find Updates

The museum updates construction progress, fundraising milestones, and future exhibit details on its website:

👉 mpm.edu/future

.