Throughout the long-in-the-works transition from the Milwaukee Public Museum to the still-under-construction Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin, MPM officials have been vague on hard dates. When, exactly, will the current MPM close? When, exactly, will the new N&CMoW (?) open? Well, we now have at least one of those dates…
The Milwaukee Public Museum—the Milwaukee Public Museum you know and love, the Milwaukee Public Museum that has been around since 1962, the Milwaukee Public Museum that has the Streets of Old Milwaukee and the T. Rex taking a chomp out of the Triceratops and The Quest For Beaver—will close on January 3, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to remain open for all of 2026, giving you another full year to make memories in the current building!” reads a statement from MPM, released Tuesday. “This will be the Museum’s final full year in this location before moving to its new home, the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin.
“The last day of operation at the current location will be January 3, 2027,” the statement continues. “An official opening date for the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin is still being determined. Stay updated on our monumental move.”
So enjoy it while it lasts, folks! Oh, and MPM will celebrate its final year with a “Greatest Hits” celebration, “commemorating MPM’s most iconic and beloved exhibits with exciting theme days, after-hours adult events, guest lectures, hands-on activities for young learners, educational opportunities for field trips, merch drops, and more.”
Here’s that schedule, courtesy of MPM:
Ancient Civilizations | 1/10-2/14
The ancient world will come to life as we explore the rise of the earliest civilizations across the globe. Programming will celebrate the exhibit Crossroads of Civilization, which highlights ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Persia.
Diorama-RAMA | 3/14-4/17
MPM’s world famous “Milwaukee-style” dioramas will be the inspiration behind several fresh, engaging programs and interactive events that put a fun twist on some of the Museum’s oldest displays.
Rainforest & Butterflies | 5/7-6/6
Travel to the tropics as we celebrate two of MPM’s groundbreaking and immersive exhibits, Rainforest and Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium, which showcase some of the planet’s most beautiful biodiversity—using recreated and real specimens.
Dino Days of Summer | 7/11-8/6
Dig up discovery as we travel 65 million years into the past to the age of dinosaurs! From examining real fossils to competing in T. rex trivia, dino lovers of all ages will unearth fascinating details about these prehistoric creatures.
Streets of Old Milwaukee & European Village | October – December
The walkthrough streetscape dioramas set at the turn of the 20th century will be decked out for Halloween and Christmas—the perfect backdrop to celebrate both holidays in style, all season long.
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