TOURS
The Charles Allis Art Museum and the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum with its Renaissance Gardens can provide guided or self-guided tours to groups or individuals, adults or children. Please let us know in advance and we would be happy to tailor a tour to your interests. Tours are generally 45-60 minutes in length.
Tours are available Monday through Sunday, both public and non-public hours, pending availabilty. Please complete our Tour Request Form to schedule your tour in advance or contact our Tour Coordinator, Collin Makamson via email or phone, 271-3656, ext. 16.
Come explore these historic mansions and their place in Milwaukee's history.
Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum was designed and built in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa by architect David Adler in 1923. The building was originally the residence of former A.O. Smith president, Lloyd Smith, and his family. The museum features fine and decorative arts dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik, newly refurbished formal gardens, and changing exhibitions. Tours may highlight the Permanent Collection, changing exhibitions, The Renaissance Garden or history and architecture of the home.
Located at 2220 North Terrace Avenue, the museum is part of the Milwaukee County War Memorial complex and a partner of the Charles Allis Art Museum, 1801 North Prospect Avenue. Open hours for both museums are Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m. General admission is $5 for Adults, $3 for Seniors, Military and Students with a valid ID, and FREE for Museum Members and children 12 and under. Please call us at 414-271-3656.
While you are in the neighborhood, also please consider touring our partner Museum, the Charles Allis Art Museum.
Completed in 1911, the Charles Allis Art Museum was named
for the first president of Allis Chalmers and original owner
of this Tudor-style home. Unique amongst area house museums,
Charles and his wife Sarah built their home and marvelous
collection with the sole purpose of bequeathing it to the
public for their delight, education and inspiration. The
Museum continues this tradition of community involvement
through programming that celebrates Milwaukee's diversity
and exhibitions of Wisconsin artists.
Tours may highlight the Permanent Collection, spanning over 2000 years, changing exhibitions or history and architecture of the home.
Located at 1801 North Prospect Avenue on Milwaukee's East
side, the Museum is part of
the Milwaukee County War Memorial complex and a partner
of the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, 2220 North
Terrace Avenue.
Public hours for both museums are Wednesday through Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.