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MPM History

MPM was one of several major American museums established in the late 19th century.

Although it was officially chartered in 1882, its existence can be traced back to 1851, to the founding of the German-English Academy in Milwaukee. The Academy's principal, Peter Engelmann, encouraged student field trips, many of which collected various specimens—organic, geological, and archaeological in nature—which were kept at the Academy.

Pop-Up Museum

Think you’ve been there and seen that? Not at an MPM Pop-Up Museum!

What is it?
A pop-up museum is a small, temporary exhibit outside the walls of MPM.  Each time we pop-up we choose a new theme and ask you, our community, to showcase your objects and stories that fit that theme.

Puelicher Butterfly Wing

 Transport yourself to a sensory wonderland.

Stroll through a lush, tropical garden. Hear the murmur of a cascading waterfall and the soothing sounds of tranquil music. Watch as exotic butterflies emerge from their chrysalises and sip nectar right before your eyes.

This magical atmosphere, filled with swirls of brilliant color and fanciful patterns of butterflies in flight, can only be found in the Museum's Puelicher Butterfly Wing.

Dennis Kois

DENNIS KOIS NAMED NEW PRESIDENT OF MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM
Milwaukee-area native brings experience at premier U.S. museums,
including Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian, to lead Milwaukee treasure