Grohmann Museum - a building with a statue in front of it
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Grohmann Museum

4.8
·462 reviews·Milwaukee, United States

Explore the evolution of human work through captivating paintings and a striking rooftop sculpture garden.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Grohmann Museum - a building with a statue in front of it

Grohmann Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the evolution of human work through captivating paintings and a striking rooftop sculpture garden.

4.8
(462 reviews)

"A true hidden gem that highlights the evolution of organized work, a must see!"

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TIP

🎯 Affordable Admission

Enjoy this unique museum for a small fee ($5 adults, $3 students/seniors). A great value!

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Three Floors

Don't rush! Spend ample time on each floor to fully appreciate the diverse art and exhibits.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Sculpture Garden

Rooftop Sculpture Garden

Rooftop

Towering bronze sculptures of workers offer a unique artistic perspective and city views.

Paintings of Human Labor

Paintings of Human Labor

Galleries

Explore a vast collection of art depicting the evolution of work, trades, and industry.

Bronze Sculptures of Toiling Figures

Bronze Sculptures of Toiling Figures

Galleries and Rooftop

See detailed bronze figures that powerfully represent the effort and skill involved in various trades.

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A Unique Focus on Work

Discover a museum dedicated to the evolution of human labor through art. From paintings to sculptures, explore how work has shaped society. It's a refreshing change from typical art exhibits, offering relatable stories of ingenuity and effort. Reddit

Rooftop Sculpture Garden

Don't miss the impressive rooftop sculpture garden featuring large bronze figures of workers. It offers a unique perspective and stunning views, making it a highlight for many visitors. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Gallery Nights
Why
Special events and vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Choo-Choo-Choose FUN! #fyp #trains #benches #museum #greenbay #wisconsin #nationalrailroadmuseum #choochoo
@crabman732
230.8K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Affordable Admission

Enjoy this unique museum for a small fee ($5 adults, $3 students/seniors). A great value! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Three Floors

Don't rush! Spend ample time on each floor to fully appreciate the diverse art and exhibits. Reddit

This concrete castle in Pennsylvania takes creativity to another level…literally. 🫣 The museum features upside-down furniture, creepy oddities and all kinds of artifacts from pre-industrial life. (Video includes name, address and other info to know before you go.) #pennsylvania #pennsylvaniacheck #thingstodopennsylvania #buckscounty
@amazingamericatv
35K likes • 397.2K views
Had the pleasure of visiting the Grohmann Museum today and was enchanted by their rooftop sculpture garden. According to their website, "A dozen large, bronze sculptures – men toiling in the field and foundry, heaving hammers or pinching molten metal with hot tongs – perch on the roofline of the Grohmann Museum. These fellows, each about 9 feet tall and weighing in at a thousand pounds a piece, ha...
mylifeincolor.92
12 likes • 1.2K views

☀️ Rooftop Views

Make sure to visit the rooftop for impressive sculptures and city vistas. Instagram

🚗 Free Parking Available

A small lot is behind the building; just note your plate number for free parking. Reddit

✨Gallery Night I love Gallery Night, it’s amazing to stop in and see all the amazing art we have in the city. This time we stopped at the Grohmann Museum and saw Michael Schultz’s captivating photograph. We also stopped by Saint Kate and view their incredible collection of art. Gallery Night is such a fantastic event to showcase artists and art all over Milwaukee! - #grohmannmuseum #saintkate #ga...
mkemegs
56 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Affordable Admission

Enjoy this unique museum for a small fee ($5 adults, $3 students/seniors). A great value! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore All Three Floors

Don't rush! Spend ample time on each floor to fully appreciate the diverse art and exhibits. Reddit

☀️ Rooftop Views

Make sure to visit the rooftop for impressive sculptures and city vistas. Instagram

🚗 Free Parking Available

A small lot is behind the building; just note your plate number for free parking. Reddit

🎧 Audio Guides

Look for QR codes to access informative audio descriptions for select pieces. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(462 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Grohmann Museum for its unique focus on the evolution of human work, finding the art both relatable and educational. The affordable admission and the impressive rooftop sculpture garden are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a highly recommended 'hidden gem' for a surprisingly engaging experience.

"$5 for such an amazing museum?? Sign me up! Amazing museum, 3 floors and a roof top. Good selection of art, with a dash of impressionism even.
Really enjoyed that museum. If you are visiting Milwaukee, it’s a must visit place!"

Nadya Masterova

"The Grohmann Museum was amazing! We spent over two hours there and only left because it was closing time. Dedicated to working trades and crafts, it is full if amazing sculptures (bronze) and paintings. There are plenty of descriptions and occasional QR codes for informative audio. We learned a lot and greatly enjoyed. This is the only museum of its kind in the world solely dedicated to human work. One of the top 3 museums in the world that I have seen and would recommend as a must see."

Global Explorer

"Finally took the time to visit. This place is a treasure. Wonderfully curated and focused.
It was just a wonderful place to walk thru. Dedicated to "Work" it was a very educational depiction in a variety of art forms. I was happy to see representation of both male and female persons "working". It would be interesting to see an exhibit specific to Milwaukee industries, (there were some elements of this).
It will be interesting to see how this place evolves as the 21st century evolves.
Can't wait to come back for another stroll."

Robert Snow

What People Like

Unique focus on work
Affordable admission price
Rooftop sculpture garden

What People Dislike

Limited exhibit variety (for some)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Grohmann Museum is located on the MSOE campus in Milwaukee. It's easily accessible by car and public transport. There's a small, free parking lot behind the museum for visitors who note their license plate number. Reddit

Yes, there is a small parking lot directly behind the museum. You'll need to write down your license plate number to get free parking. Reddit

Driving is convenient due to the dedicated parking. Alternatively, Milwaukee's public bus system serves the area, and ride-sharing services are readily available. Reddit

The museum is generally accessible, with elevators to reach different floors. The rooftop sculpture garden may have some uneven surfaces, so check with staff for specific accessibility details. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is centrally located and can easily be combined with other downtown Milwaukee attractions like the Milwaukee Art Museum or the Harley-Davidson Museum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, typically $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. This makes it a great value for the experience. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website before your visit. They are typically open on weekdays and sometimes weekends. Reddit

Generally, advance booking isn't required for general admission due to the low cost and manageable crowds. However, for special exhibits or group tours, it's advisable to check their policy. Reddit

Yes, discounted admission is usually offered for students and seniors. Check their website for any other potential discounts or special offers. Reddit

It's unlikely that general museum passes from other institutions are accepted, as the Grohmann Museum is a specialized institution. It's best to confirm directly with the museum. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Grohmann Museum is renowned for its unique collection dedicated to the evolution of human work, featuring paintings and sculptures that tell stories of labor, industry, and ingenuity. Reddit

Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore all three floors and the rooftop garden. Some art enthusiasts might spend longer. Reddit

You'll see a vast array of art depicting workers, tools, and industrial processes. Highlights include the rooftop sculpture garden and galleries filled with paintings and bronze sculptures. InstagramReddit

While not always advertised, you can inquire about guided tours or if staff are available to provide insights. Some visitors have mentioned receiving tours. Reddit

Yes, the visual nature of the art, especially the large sculptures, can be engaging for children. It offers a unique way to learn about different jobs and history. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the Grohmann Museum, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the artwork. Always check for posted signs. Reddit

The rooftop sculpture garden offers fantastic photo opportunities with the city skyline as a backdrop. The detailed bronze figures are also very photogenic. Instagram

For personal social media sharing, it's usually fine. However, professional or commercial photography often requires prior permission from the museum. Reddit

While primarily known for paintings and sculptures, the museum has hosted photography exhibits, such as one featuring Michael Schultz's work. Instagram

Focus on the dynamic bronze sculptures of workers, the detailed paintings of industrial scenes, and the unique rooftop views. Capture the essence of human labor. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Grohmann Museum offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The large bronze sculptures on the rooftop and throughout the galleries are particularly captivating for children, sparking imagination about different jobs and historical periods. InstagramReddit The museum's focus on work and industry provides a unique educational opportunity, allowing kids to learn about how things are made and the history of various trades in a visual and accessible way. It’s a refreshing change from typical children’s museum exhibits, offering a more grounded and historical perspective. Reddit

Consider making a game out of spotting different tools or types of work depicted in the paintings. The affordable admission price also makes it a budget-friendly outing for families. While there aren't dedicated play areas, the sheer visual interest of the art, especially the imposing sculptures, tends to hold younger visitors' attention. Don't forget to explore the rooftop for a fun change of scenery and some great photo ops. Instagram

🧑‍🎓 Students and Budget Travelers

For students and budget-conscious travelers, the Grohmann Museum is an absolute gem. With an admission fee of just $5 for adults and $3 for students/seniors, it offers incredible value for a unique cultural experience. Reddit This affordability allows you to immerse yourself in a world-class collection without breaking the bank, making it an ideal stop on any Milwaukee itinerary. Reddit

The museum's specialized focus on the evolution of human work provides a distinct perspective that can be both educational and inspiring, especially for those studying history, art, or engineering. The free parking behind the building further reduces costs, making it even more accessible. It’s a highly recommended destination that delivers a rich experience at a minimal cost. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Work: A Unique Collection

The Grohmann Museum stands out for its singular focus: the evolution of human work. Unlike traditional art museums that might feature a broad spectrum of subjects, Grohmann curates a collection that exclusively explores the dignity, challenges, and ingenuity of labor across various trades and industries. This dedication provides a unique lens through which to view history and human achievement. Visitors often express surprise at how relatable and powerful these depictions of work can be, moving beyond abstract concepts to tangible stories of effort and skill. Reddit

Across its three floors, you'll find a rich tapestry of paintings and sculptures that showcase everything from agricultural toil to industrial might. The museum meticulously documents how tools, techniques, and the very nature of work have transformed over centuries. This makes it not just an art gallery, but also a fascinating historical narrative told through visual art. Many visitors, even those not typically drawn to art museums, find themselves captivated by the clear storytelling and the relatable themes presented. Reddit

This specialized approach ensures that every piece contributes to a cohesive narrative. Whether it's a detailed rendering of a blacksmith at work or a grand depiction of a factory floor, the art here celebrates the human spirit of creation and perseverance. It's a refreshing perspective that resonates with a wide audience, offering a deeper appreciation for the labor that underpins our society. Reddit

The Iconic Rooftop Sculpture Garden

A true highlight and a defining feature of the Grohmann Museum is its rooftop sculpture garden. Perched atop the building, this space is home to a dozen imposing bronze sculptures, each standing approximately nine feet tall. These figures are not mere decorations; they are powerful representations of men and women engaged in various forms of labor – toiling in fields, working in foundries, or wielding tools with intense focus. Instagram

These sculptures offer a striking visual experience, providing a unique vantage point and a memorable artistic encounter. Visitors often describe the impact of seeing these monumental figures against the backdrop of the city skyline. It’s a space that invites contemplation on the physical demands and the enduring spirit of the working class. The sheer scale and detail of the sculptures make them a must-see element of any visit. Instagram

Beyond the artistic merit, the rooftop garden also provides panoramic views of Milwaukee. This combination of art and vista makes it an ideal spot for photography and a moment of reflection. It’s a testament to the museum’s commitment to showcasing the evolution of work in a dynamic and engaging way, extending the exhibition experience beyond the indoor galleries. Instagram

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