Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
It’s that time of year again when Milwaukee becomes a haven for museum lovers and curious explorers.
From January 22 through February 1, 2026, Museum Days invites families, couples, and solo adventurers to explore dozens of museums across the Milwaukee area at discounted admission prices.
While final pricing details are still being confirmed for 2026, Museum Days traditionally includes a mix of free admission, deeply discounted tickets, and special Museum Days-only pricing at more than 30 participating museums.
Whether you’re looking for hands-on experiences for kids, iconic art collections, or a cozy winter date idea, Museum Days is one of the best ways to explore Milwaukee’s cultural scene in the heart of winter.
We’ll continue updating this guide as participating museums and offers are finalized.
💡Looking specifically for places that work well with kids? You’ll also want to check out our full roundup of kid-friendly museums in Milwaukee, which highlights hands-on exhibits, play-based learning spaces, and family favorites across the area.
Museums That Often Offer Free Admission During Museum Days
In past years, several museums have offered free admission during Museum Days. While participation and offers may vary from year to year, these museums are frequently included:
- Cedarburg Art Museum – A welcoming space highlighting local art and history
- Haggerty Museum of Art (Marquette University) – Contemporary and classical works, including rotating exhibitions
- Lynden Sculpture Garden – Outdoor sculptures where art and nature meet
- Milwaukee County Historical Society – Stories and artifacts from Milwaukee’s past
- Museum of Beer & Brewing – A fun, uniquely Wisconsin experience
- Racine Art Museum – Contemporary craft and art in a beautiful downtown setting
Tip: Some museums may require advance reservations or have limited hours during Museum Days.
Museums With Deeply Discounted Admission
Many museums participate in Museum Days by offering significant discounts off regular admission, often making visits much more accessible than usual.
Museums that have offered discounted pricing in past years include:
- Grohmann Museum – Celebrating the evolution of human work
- Bucyrus Museum – Industrial history and hands-on exhibits
- America’s Black Holocaust Museum – A powerful and educational experience
- National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum – Fun, quirky, and surprisingly fascinating
- Jewish Museum Milwaukee – Exhibits exploring Jewish history and culture
- Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts – Cozy, creative, and inspiring
- Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum
- Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
- North Point Lighthouse Museum – History with lakefront views
Discounts may vary by museum and by day, so it’s always a good idea to check each museum’s website before visiting.
Family Favorites & Major Attractions With Special Museum Days Pricing
Some of Milwaukee’s most popular museums typically participate with special Museum Days pricing that’s still well below regular admission — making this a great time to visit big-name attractions.
These family favorites have participated in past Museum Days events:
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum – Hands-on fun designed just for young kids
- Milwaukee Art Museum – Iconic architecture and world-class art
- Discovery World – Science, technology, and interactive exhibits for all ages
- Mitchell Park Domes – A warm escape filled with plants and seasonal displays
- Milwaukee Public Museum – Natural history, cultural exhibits, and immersive environments
If these museums are on your “someday” list, Museum Days is often the most affordable time to go.
Planning Tips for Museum Days
- Check museum websites in advance. Some locations require reservations or timed entry.
- Go early or midweek if possible — weekends tend to be busier.
- Mix big museums with smaller ones to avoid burnout, especially with kids.
- Pair visits with nearby dining or indoor activities to make a full day of it.
Museum Days Milwaukee FAQ
When are Museum Days in Milwaukee?
Museum Days runs from January 22 to February 1, 2026.
Are all museums free during Museum Days?
No. Some museums offer free admission, while others participate with discounted or special pricing.
Do I need tickets in advance?
Some museums require advance reservations during Museum Days. Always check before you go.
For the most up-to-date information on participating museums and official offers, visit Visit Milwaukee’s Museum Days page. This guide will be updated as more details are released.
More Museums to Explore Near Milwaukee
- 6 Living History Museums Around Milwaukee
- Here’s What You’ll Find at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum
- Here’s What You’ll Find at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend
- Milwaukee Fire Museum Now Open For Tours
- Old World Wisconsin Offers Unplugged Adventure For Kids
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
