Doors Open Milwaukee

media release: Historic Milwaukee’s highly anticipated annual event, Doors Open Milwaukee, returns September 27–28 for its 15th anniversary, inviting the public to explore more than 165 sites across Downtown and Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.

This milestone year brings exciting new additions to the lineup, including the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, The Fitzgerald, No Studios, Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC), and She Slangs Wood, among others. Visitors can also visit beloved favorites such as MSO’s Bradley Symphony Center, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block.

The full list of participating locations is available at historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open.

Kid-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy the return of the popular Kid’s Passport, which encourages young explorers to collect stamps at kid-friendly sites. Passports will be available at designated locations throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 27, children visiting the Mackie Building (235 E. Michigan St.) can stop by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Visit Milwaukee tables for special hands-on art activities. 

Doors Open Beer Collaboration: In honor of Doors Open Milwaukee’s 15th anniversary, Gathering Place Brewing Company has crafted a limited-edition Doors Open Cream Ale. Light and refreshing, the ale pays tribute to the city’s iconic Cream City brick, with notes of biscuit, honey, and a touch of lemon. “We are big fans of the Doors Open program and have been participating since we opened,” said Gathering Place founder Joe Yeado. “It’s hard to believe the program has been around for 15 years—we’re thrilled to release this collaborative beer to mark the occasion.”

Cans of beer are available for purchase at the following Outpost locations: Capitol Drive, Bay View, and Wauwatosa; Gathering Place Brewing; Ray's Liquor in Tosa; Discount Liquor in Milwaukee, and Woodman's locations. Patrons can also enjoy a pint of beer when they dine at the Swingin’ Door and visit Gathering Place during Doors Open.

Near West Side Activation: During Doors Open Milwaukee, Near West Side residents and visitors alike will have the chance to explore ten historic venues, hop aboard a free shuttle, stroll one of the themed walking routes, and even sketch their way through the neighborhood with artist Whitney Salgado. You can view all activities taking place in the Near West Side here: https://www.nwsmkedoorsopen.com/

Doors Open Milwaukee is free and open to the public. Historic Milwaukee thanks its generous sponsors and partners for making this program possible, including: Johnson Controls Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Veolia, We Energies Foundation, Fund for Lake Michigan, Davidson Park, MGIC, Reinhart Law, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Saint John’s on the Lake, Visit Milwaukee, Zimmerman, Downtown BID, Jane Bradley Petit Foundation, Maihaugen Foundation, with in-kind support from Bublr Bikes, OnMilwaukee, and Milwaukee County Parks.