The Milwaukee Art Museum, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was opened to the public in April of 1888. It is one of the oldest art museums in the United States, and has a rich history that spans more than 130 years. The museum is home to a wide range of artworks from various periods and cultures, including Impressionism, Modernism, African American art, and European painting.
The museum was founded by two local residents: Colonel Edward Allis and his wife Charlotte Allis. Both had an interest in the arts and wanted to create an institution where people could view and appreciate works of fine art. They purchased a parcel of land on the shore of Lake Michigan in 1882 and commissioned architect Edward Townsend Mix to design what would become the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Mix’s design for the museum was based on the neo-classical style that was popular at the time. The building featured a large central rotunda with two wings extending from either side. The interior walls were covered with paintings from many different artists as well as sculptures from around the world.
Since its opening in 1888, numerous additions have been made to the museum’s collection as well as to its physical structure. In 2001, Santiago Calatrava completed a dramatic expansion project for the museum which included a soaring Quadracci Pavilion with its iconic wing-like brise soleil (sunscreen). This expansion made it possible for visitors to view both contemporary and classic artwork side-by-side under one roof.
Today, The Milwaukee Art Museum is considered one of America’s finest art institutions and houses over 20,000 pieces of artwork from all over the world including works by Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe and Pablo Picasso among others. It also has an impressive collection of modern furniture pieces designed by renowned architects such as Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright.
In conclusion, The Milwaukee Art Museum was built in April 1888 by Colonel Edward Allis & his wife Charlotte Allis on land they purchased on Lake Michigan’s shoreline two years prior. Designed by architect Edward Townsend Mix based on neo-classical style popular at that time; numerous additions have been made since then including an iconic Quadracci Pavilion completed in 2001 by Santiago Calatrava which allowed visitors to view both contemporary & classic artwork together under one roof for first time ever; making it one of America’s finest art institutions today housing over 20k pieces from all around world including works by van Gogh & Picasso among others & modern furniture pieces designed by renowned architects like Mies van der Rohe & Frank Lloyd Wright too!