Search

The Museum's Reference Library is a unique resource of over 100,000 volumes relating to natural and human history.

It also houses the Museum's archives.

The Library is open to researchers by appointment only. Those wishing to use the Library facilities must make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance of their visit.

The department of vertebrate zoology encompasses all animals with backbones: fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

The oldest specimens date back to the 1840s, but most activity associated with vertebrates started in the 1870s. With the exception of the bird collection  and a portion of the fish collection, vertebrates are housed on the Sixth Floor  of the Museum. Besides collection areas, a lab area for specimen processing and examination is situated adjacent to the herpetology range.

The Asia gallery is temporarily closed as part of the next phase of packing for our new museum.

The Streets of Old Milwaukee was originally opened in January 1965.

This exhibit created one of the first walk-through dioramas in the world, transporting the visitor back to a fall evening in Milwaukee at the turn of the 20th century. It was an immediate hit and continues to be the most visited spot in the Museum. In honor of the Streets 50th anniversary, the exhibit was reimagined by further incorporating themed storytelling and a heightened sensory experience to give the visitor a different perspective on every visit.