Why Was the Milwaukee Art Museum Built?

Art|Art Museum

The Milwaukee Art Museum has been a landmark for the city of Milwaukee since its opening in 1882. The museum was founded by a group of local citizens who wanted to create an institution that would bring culture and art to the city.

This group of philanthropists, led by Frederic Layton, set out to create a museum that would become a centerpiece for the city and be accessible to all.

In order to make their dream a reality, the group turned to Eero Saarinen, one of the most renowned architects of his time. Saarinen was chosen to design the building based on his modernist style and his use of curved shapes and lines, which he believed suited the mission of the museum.

Saarinen’s design featured a sprawling glass-and-steel structure that extended across three stories and overlooked Lake Michigan. This building became known as the War Memorial Center and it remains one of Milwaukee’s most beloved landmarks today.

The museum was originally intended to house both fine art and decorative art, however in recent years it has expanded its collection to include works from around the world. The museum now features more than 25,000 works from antiquity through present day, representing cultures from all over the globe. It also houses an impressive collection of European paintings from the 17th century through present day.

The Milwaukee Art Museum has become an important center for education as well as entertainment. It is home to several unique programs such as Art Explorers which offers interactive activities for children ages 3-5 as well as classes and workshops for adults throughout the year. The museum is also host to several special exhibitions each year that explore themes such as fashion, photography, contemporary art and more.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee Art Museum was built with philanthropic visionaries in mind who wanted to bring culture and art into their city in an accessible way for everyone. Through Saarinen’s iconic design and its expansive collections from around the world, it has become an important center for education, entertainment and exploration – making it one of Milwaukee’s most beloved landmarks today.