MPM offers unique events, programs, and resources throughout the year.
Upcoming Events: Visitors and members enjoy unique events hosted by the Museum throughout the year. Explore ↓
Planetarium: Take a tour of the universe with an awe-inspiring Planetarium program or learn about the wonders of our world with a giant screen film. Explore ↓
Ongoing Programs and Initiatives: Together with our partners, MPM's programs and initiatives make learning about the wonders of the world accessible, engaging, and fun for the community. Explore ↓
Online Resources: Want to learn more about your favorite MPM topics? Check out our educational videos, virtual exhibit tours, and partner links. Explore ↓
Upcoming Events
Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon
Two Saturdays per Month
Now through December 28
Join us for special viewings of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon on two Saturdays of each month. Includes an additional live 25-minute Planetarium program plus concessions.
Groundbreaking exhibition
Now through January 20, 2024
Explore the innovation and evolution of Milwaukee Public Museum throughout its 140 year-history and learn more about its new home at this special exhibition.
Deck the Streets and Village
November 16, 2024 - January 26, 2025
Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee, and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed into a winter wonderland.
Virtual Lecture
Thursday, November 21, 2024
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Attend this free, virtual lecture, titled “Returning to the People: How MPM works with Indigenous groups to bring their history and ancestors home,” to learn about the federal law that regulates how museums collect, interpret and care for Native American items.
MPM Marketplace Online Holiday Sale
Receive 25% off your purchase at the Museum's online store! From MPM-branded apparel, ornaments, mugs, and more, the MPM Marketplace Online is the place to shop for unique, local gifts this holiday season.
Use code: MAMMOTH25
Sale starts midnight on November 28 and ends 11:59 p.m. on December 2.
Holidays in History Tour
Saturdays in December (no tour Dec. 14)
1 - 2 p.m.
Join our docents for a tour that explores how the holiday traditions that were brought by European immigrants to Milwaukee blended to create our modern celebrations. Capacity 25; meet at the top of the Grand Staircase (First Floor).
Science on Tap
"Wisconsin's Silurian Sea: From Reef to Rock"
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Long before the age of dinosaurs, Wisconsin was covered by a shallow sea that thrived with life. This presentation from Dr. Jonathan R. Hendricks will introduce the Silurian fossil record, highlight its representation in MPM’s Silurian Reef diorama and collections, and comment on the modern economic importance of this geologic past.
Florentine Opera Concert
December 9, 2024
1 p.m.
The Florentine Opera's Baumgartner Studio Artists return to MPM to perform Christmas hymns and classic holiday songs in front of the Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium (First Floor).
Old Milwaukee Mixer
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Join us to celebrate the season with an after-hours mixer. Learn more about how people celebrate the season during the Victorian period while strolling the Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit decked for the holidays.
European Village Alive!
December 14, 2024
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Explore the sights, sounds, and scents of the season as the European Village exhibit “comes to life.” MPM docent interpreters will transport you to holiday celebrations of the past.
Winter Break Programming
December 26-30, 2024
10 a.m. - Noon; 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Stop by MPM Educators' tables throughout the exhibit floors to learn about cold weather animal adaptations.
MPM Trivia Night
Thursday, January 16, 2024
Test your knowledge at Trivia Night! The evening will consist of four rounds representing Botany, Anthropology/History, Geology, and Zoology. Bring your friends and compete for bragging rights and prizes as the MPM Trivia champ!
Mystery at MPM: Family Edition
Saturday, January 25, 2024
The family version of our after-hours mystery caper! Test your MPM knowledge at this interactive scavenger hunt game. Get an extraordinary opportunity to get up close and personal with one (or two) of our rarely seen objects!
Food & Froth
Saturday, March 8, 2025
7 - 9:30 p.m.
Cheers with Granny at Food & Froth! This annual event invites guests to an after-hours party at the Museum where they have the rare opportunity to wander the exhibit floors while sampling delicious brews and bites from dozens of local vendors. The evening also includes live music on the First Floor.
Member pre-sale begins 11/22
Tickets on sale on 12/6 at 10 a.m.
Planetarium
Now Showing at the Daniel M. Soref Theater and Planetarium
Check out the Planetarium programs and giant films playing daily.
November 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
| 10:15 a.m. | Wisconsin Stargazing |
| 11 a.m. | T. REX |
| Noon | Space Aliens |
| 12:45 p.m. | T. REX |
| 2 p.m. | Wisconsin Stargazing |
| 2:45 p.m. | T. REX |
| 3:45 p.m. | Space Aliens |
| 4:30 p.m. | Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon* |
Ongoing Programs and Initiatives
Kohl's Thank You Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
All visitors enjoy free admission to MPM thanks to generous support from Kohl's.
Science on Tap
Grab a brew (or root-brew!) and meet us at the Museum or online to listen to a lecture from some of the best minds in natural and cultural sciences. Lectures are scheduled every couple of months.
Docent Tours
Explore the hidden wonders of our exhibits and galleries with free half-hour docent tours every Saturday at 1 p.m.
SPARK!
This program is designed for people in the early-to-mid stages of memory loss to visit with their family and care partners. Programs are offered at MPM at 1 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month.
Summer Connections
MPM's annual summer initiative provides free, educational programming and access to the Museum for K-8 students throughout Milwaukee in coordination with community partners.
Wisconsin Statewide Community Science Project
This community-based initiative seeks to make science accessible to a broader audience throughout Wisconsin, even nationally, so the public can feel trust towards science by participating directly in it. The data is then used for future research.
MPM Book Club
A volunteer-led monthly program that invites interested adults to join lively monthly discussions about nonfiction books of a scientific nature that relate to Museum exhibits, research, or programs.
360 Virtual Exhibit Tours
Native American Heritage
Black History Month
Hispanic Heritage Month