Big news for Milwaukee families! Children age 12 and under will now always enjoy free admission to the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM), thanks to an anonymous $3.54 million donation.
This gift ensures that future generations of kids can experience world-class art, exhibitions, and family programs without financial barriers.
Looking for even more free ways to explore Milwaukee’s vibrant art and culture? Check out our 15 Free Milwaukee Museums: Your Guide for 2025 for a full list of museums offering no-cost admission.
A Gift That Keeps Giving
The donation establishes an endowment to guarantee free admission for kids for years to come. The anonymous donor, who shared cherished memories of visiting the museum with family, expressed hope that this contribution would inspire similar experiences for others.
The endowment supports not just free admission but also engaging youth and family programs, including:
- Kohl’s Family Sundays: Fun-filled, semi-annual events featuring hands-on activities, performances, and more.
- Play Date with Art: Monthly programs designed to spark creativity in toddlers and preschoolers.
- Story Time in the Galleries: A weekly event where families can explore art through storytelling.
Winter Break Fun and Year-Round Activities
Mark your calendars for Dec. 26–29, when the museum will host Winter Break activities during the holiday season.
Year-round, families can explore the museum using ArtPacks, SketchPacks, Family Guides, and more.
On weekends, visit the Kohl’s Art Studio for hands-on projects inspired by current exhibitions.
Plan Your Visit
To plan your visit and learn more about kid-friendly programs, head to MAM’s website.
Looking for even more ways to make the most of your museum visit? Check out our 10 Best Things To Do at the Milwaukee Art Museum to discover must-see exhibits and activities for your family.
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.
