News Summary
The Milwaukee Public Museum is gearing up for its move to the new Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin by identifying non-collection items for reuse or disposal. The initiative focuses on sustainably repurposing exhibit props, office furniture, and decorative elements as part of its transition plan. Priority will be given to local departments and organizations for claiming items, ensuring the museum’s legacy is preserved as it aims to enhance visitor experience in a new location set to open in 2027.
Milwaukee – The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is preparing for its relocation to the upcoming Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin by identifying non-collection items for repurposing, gifting, selling, or disposal. This initiative is crucial as the museum prepares to transition to its new facility located at the corner of Sixth and McKinley streets in the Haymarket neighborhood, which is expected to open in early 2027.
Non-collection items include a wide variety of materials such as exhibit props, office furniture, equipment, and decorative elements that are not permanently attached to the building. MPM has assured that Milwaukee County, which owns the museum’s collections, will preserve and manage them appropriately during this transition.
During their presentation to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Committee on Parks and Culture, MPM outlined their comprehensive plans for the repurposing of surplus items. Some examples of non-collection items mentioned included fruits, plants, mannequins, as well as various decorative props used throughout the museum’s exhibits.
To ensure that items are effectively reused, MPM is prioritizing repurposing opportunities. Notable items such as “Granny,” the penny-farthing bicycle, and “Abby,” the meowing cat, are slated for relocation to the new facility. If any items cannot be repurposed, Milwaukee County will provide local departments like the Milwaukee County Zoo with the first opportunity to claim them.
Walkthrough Period for Local Departments
A walkthrough period is planned for local government departments to evaluate items of interest prior to broader distribution. Following the initial review by local departments, peer institutions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum and various tribal museums, will also have the chance to claim or purchase items. Subsequent to this, requests from nonprofits, educational institutions, and exhibit fabrication companies will be considered.
To facilitate this process, MPM will conduct tours for each eligible group in the second and third quarters of 2026. Any items left unclaimed or unsuitable for repurposing will be appropriately disposed of. The final clean-out of the existing museum is planned for late 2027 to early 2028, coinciding with the transition to the new building.
Current Progress and Future Plans
As MPM moves forward with its plans, the organization has already packed approximately half a million of its 4 million total items. Construction of the Nature & Culture Museum is progressing well, with exterior work anticipated to be completed by the end of the current year. The new museum’s establishment also marks a name change from the current museum to reflect its mission of encompassing natural history along with cultural aspects.
The Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin will house an array of attractions, including a planetarium, butterfly vivarium, rooftop terrace, café, and outdoor commons areas, designed to enhance visitor engagement and experience.
The existing Milwaukee Public Museum will remain open to the public until late 2026, allowing visitors to experience its current exhibits before the facility transitions fully to the new location with the new name. This thoughtful approach is intended to keep the museum’s assets within the public realm, prioritizing educational and cultural institutions over individual sales.
With the new facility set to redefine the experience of museum-goers in Milwaukee, MPM’s meticulous planning underscores a commitment to preserving its legacy while adapting to future opportunities for public engagement and education.
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Additional Resources
- BizTimes: Nature & Culture Museum Progress
- Wikipedia: Wisconsin
- OnMilwaukee: Tour Nature & Culture Museum
- Google Search: Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin
- JSON Line: Milwaukee Public Museum Name Change
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Museum
- Fox11: Milwaukee Public Museum to be Renamed
- Google News: Nature & Culture Museum Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
