The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is continuing Gifts to the Community in 2017 with a summer Saturday of free admission at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Featuring extended hours, free shows, bonus activities and the full array of Museum exhibits, the program is open to everyone and represents the Foundation’s commitment to building community and providing access to opportunities that enrich lives.

Date: 

Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017

Extended hours: 

9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 

Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Directions & Parking information

For questions about on-site amenities or general information about Milwaukee Public Museum:

414.278.2728  |   Website

About Milwaukee Public Museum

MPM_logo2017_120.jpgEvery visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum is a new adventure! Explore the Ice Age in the Third Planet gallery, find a mastodon and saber-toothed cat among the glaciers, watch out for King Tut on his chariot in the Crossroads of Civilization exhibit, or interact with live butterflies as they flutter in the butterfly garden. Take a photo safari in Africa, snap a selfie with Granny on the Streets of Old Milwaukee, and find the hidden button to make the rattlesnake rattle! Stop by the Dome Theater where you can prepare for the upcoming eclipse and even blast off into space at a planetarium show. Don’t forget to tag MPM on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat to show your adventure! 

Bonus features and information
  • Continuous free shows throughout the day in the National Geographic Dome Theater & Daniel M. Soref PlanetariumShow schedule
  • Special programming designed to educate and enhance experience of the total solar eclipse that will be visible to North America on Aug. 21:
    • First 5,000 kids 13 and under will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses
    • Full-dome eclipse previews as part of all planetarium shows
    • Giant shrunken solar system display; special telescopes to observe the sun (clear skies permitting); and hands-on eclipse activities (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Docent led window interpretations in European Village (9-11 a.m.)
  • Live bug experience in Bugs Alive (1 p.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Volunteers in Streets of Old Milwaukee, Third Planet and Bison Hunt to discuss history (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
  • Chocolate cart in the Rain Forest (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
  • Crafts for kids in the Steigleder Gallery, which will also serve as a family respite space
  • Additional free short films in the Gromme Theater
  • Discount coupons for a return visit
  • Visitors will likely experience longer wait times at Museum elevators. If possible, MPM encourages you to leave your strollers at home or in your car so you can access the exhibit floors using the stairs and escalators.

Gifts to the Community

Launched in celebration of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s centennial in 2015, Gifts to the Community provides special opportunities connecting the people of greater Milwaukee while showcasing the metro area’s most positive characteristics. Over the last two years, Gifts to the Community has brought together 287,000 people for free access to signature destinations, experiences and services throughout the region.


Gift Highlights 2016