Wisconsin's Top Art Museums Worth Exploring
Wisconsin is home to a diverse range of art museums, each offering a unique perspective on the state's artistic heritage. Here's a closer look at some of the top museums in Wisconsin:
Milwaukee Art Museum
Located in Milwaukee, this museum stands out for its iconic architecture by Santiago Calatrava, notably the Quadracci Pavilion with its movable "wings." The museum boasts nearly 25,000 works spanning from the 15th century to contemporary art. Notable collections include American decorative arts, German Impressionism, video art, Haitian art, and works by Degas, Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum also hosts dynamic temporary exhibitions and educational programs for all ages.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Situated in downtown Madison, this museum is entirely dedicated to contemporary visual art and features over 5,000 works. It focuses on modern artistic expressions and frequently rotating exhibitions emphasizing current trends in art.
Chazen Museum of Art
Located within the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the Chazen Museum of Art houses over 24,000 works of art, making it the second-largest art museum in the state. Its permanent collection spans cultures, time periods, and artistic mediums, featuring European paintings, American modern art, Asian ceramics, African sculptures, and decorative arts.
Art Preserve at JMKAC
The Art Preserve, an extension of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC), is the world's first museum dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of artist-built environments. It houses over 25,000 works by more than 30 artists and offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore immersive installations.
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
Located in Neenah, this museum is home to the world’s largest public display of contemporary glass art. It is a unique destination for those interested in glassblowing and blown glass sculpture.
Beyond these museums, Wisconsin’s art scene includes vibrant educational centers such as The Clearing Folk School and the Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, where visitors can engage in diverse creative activities from painting to glassblowing.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) is a distinguished art museum in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, known for its commitment to contemporary art and artist-built environments. JMKAC is renowned for its unique artist-designed washrooms, which have garnered international attention for their innovative integration of art and function.
Notable artists featured at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art include Frida Kahlo, John Steuart Curry, and Diego Rivera. The Milwaukee Art Museum houses over 30,000 works spanning centuries and styles, including American and European paintings, contemporary art, decorative arts, and folk art. The Racine Art Museum's collection focuses on works in ceramics, fibers, glass, metals, art jewelry, polymer, and wood, and features internationally acclaimed artists such as Wendell Castle, Dale Chihuly, Lia Cook, and Toshiko Takaezu.
Admission to JMKAC is free, underscoring its commitment to accessibility and public service. Each art museum in Wisconsin offers a unique experience, with distinct styles, atmospheres, and collections, catering to various interests and age groups.
In contrast to Wisconsin's abundance of art museums showcasing diverse artistic traditions, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find inspiration at The Clearing Folk School and the Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, offering courses on various creative activities such as painting and glassblowing. On the other hand, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) in Sheboygan presents an unusual blend of modern art and lifestyle, having gained international fame for its artist-designed washrooms, which artfully blend art and function.
As for those intrigued by contemporary glass art, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah is the ideal destination, housing the world's largest public display of contemporary glass art.
