How Can You Support MAM? Nine Ways to Make a Difference

How did we maintain 65,340 square feet of granite plazas, fill 39,913 square feet of exhibition space, and inspire 355,878 visitors in the past year? With your help! As a private nonprofit, the Milwaukee Art Museum relies on the generous support of its Members, donors, visitors, and volunteers.

No matter what you’re able to do, there are so many ways to help the Museum remain a source of learning, inspiration, and creativity—from a one-time donation to year-long membership. Read below to learn all the ways you can show your support (and have fun at the same time).

1. Visit the Museum.

Explore thousands of inspiring artworks in the Collection Galleries and so much more. The cost of your admission ticket helps support the conservation, preservation, and maintenance of the Museum’s Collection—and includes all special exhibitions in one price. Ticket revenue only covers about 10% of the Museum’s costs.

2. Become a Member.

Members not only get exclusive access and great benefits for an entire year—they also directly support Museum exhibitions and programming. Your ongoing support makes it easy to stop by any time, and helps underwrite important activities that keep the Museum running. Join today.

3. Make an annual donation.

Help the Museum continue to inspire for years to come. Your donation strengthens the ability of the Museum to plan ahead, connect to the community, and truly make it a resource for everyone in Milwaukee. You can donate online at any time. Have a project, program, or exhibition you’re passionate about? Consider becoming an official sponsor, as an individual or as a brand.

4. Shop in the Museum Store.

Find creative gifts or something to commemorate your visit. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s general fund, making everything from building clean-up to art conservation possible. And wearing, carrying, sipping from, or sending something that shows your MAM pride helps us get the word out. Shop on-site or online.

5. Grab a bite at the Museum’s cafés.

Indulge in a gourmet meal at Café Calatrava, recharge with a latté at Windhover Coffee, or linger with a light lunch at the East End Café. The East End also hosts happy hour every Thursday, from 5–7:30 p.m., making it a great spot to stop off after work. Members receive a 10% discount on all food and beverages*—every day.

*Excludes alcohol

6. Attend an event.

Sip on a cocktail while taking in a stunning view of Lake Michigan, enjoy hands-on art projects with the whole family, practice mindfulness, or dance to live music under the Museum’s iconic “wings,” all while simultaneously supporting Museum programs. Check out the calendar to see all the upcoming events and happenings that would be perfect for you. Events are also a great way to introduce a friend who’s never been to the Museum to experience it for themselves.

7. Book a tour.

Make your own event a Museum event. Discover engaging tours for every sort of visitor—from animal-themed school tours to grown-up tours that end with a cold beer. Bond with coworkers, engage students’ imaginations, or celebrate a bachelorette. Contact tours@mam.org to get started.

8. Help or host an online fundraiser.

You can donate right on Facebook or start a fundraiser for your birthday. Spending time, and money, on Amazon? Select the Milwaukee Art Museum as your charity on smile.amazon.com and they will donate 0.5% of your purchases to the Museum, at no extra cost to you. Every dollar, and new donor, makes a difference to the Museum.

9. Tell someone.

If you’re reading this, you probably know how special the Milwaukee Art Museum is. But there are many people, including those living in Milwaukee, who haven’t experienced the Museum yet.

Invite a friend, write a review, or tell a neighbor what about the Museum excites you. Tell someone who thinks they can’t afford the Museum about Meijer Free First Thursdays or the Access Membership program. Thank a sponsor for supporting the Museum, a program you care about, or an exhibition you loved.

Help the Milwaukee Art Museum truly be Milwaukee’s art museum so that we can continue to act as an important resource for the city, the region, and the world for years to come.

Thanks for all that you do to support the Museum. However you help, we’re proud to be your art museum.