Milwaukee County War Memorial Center

Milwaukee Art Museum Unveils New Lights

Stark white building gets its first dash of color on the darkest day of the year.

County Will Re-Evaluate Cultural Contributions

Budget amendment requires review of the different institutions county dollars support.

Community Groups Working With Milwaukee VA To Prevent Veteran Suicides

Suicide rate for veterans is 58% higher than other adults.

Holiday Shopping Season Begins With Special Events

Plus: Trainfest and annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Commission Pauses Proposal For Another Lakefront War Memorial

Project site would disrupt newly installed green infrastructure. Residents suggest other sites.

Bill Schroeder Guest Bartending for Charity Oct. 25 at Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen

New Monument Proposed for Lakefront

National foundation proposes monument near War Memorial Center to families who lost loved ones in war.

Lakefront Beer Garden Will Return

War Memorial beer garden, operated by Kegel's, will offer longer hours, live music, weekly bike rides.

Local favorite talk show host Jeff Wagner to be honored with MAFW’s Citizen Support for Our Armed Services Award

Milwaukee Salutes the Arrival of the National Guard for its 147th NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition

County Board Candidates

Seven districts out of 18 have competitive races. See who is on your ballot.

Local Filmmakers Shooting Screwball Crime Caper

Milwaukee filmmakers are fundraising to finish their indie flick.

Kegel’s Will Run Lakefront Beer Garden

Plus: New Mediterranean restaurant opening. And Pete's Pops comes to Public Market.

Inside The Soldiers Home Redevelopment

See inside and learn the story of how a crumbling, Civil War-era complex was saved.

Milwaukee Art Museum hires new executive chef

Zak Groh to take over Museum’s culinary program

Retro Fashion Show A Winner

Designers from many cities. Funds raised for program honoring veterans.

April brings poster exhibition, popular Easter brunch to Milwaukee Art Museum

Free admission April 1 and 2 with a Sendik’s “Red Bag”

Milwaukee Art Museum welcomes spring with annual Art in Bloom weekend

The popular four-day event featuring floral art, a marketplace and fashion show returns March 23–26

All-veteran art showcase to highlight local veteran artists

Veterans Light Up the Arts will feature performances and art exhibition

Milwaukee Art Museum Exhibition Explores Breadth of Region’s Private Art Treasures, Many Never Seen Before

Milwaukee Collects celebrates our community’s love of art and art collecting

Retro Fashion Gala Event, “A Retro Affair” Fashion Show, Coming to Milwaukee in March

Models from around the Midwest will show retro fashion from across the globe; event benefits the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight

All-veteran art showcase to highlight local veteran artists

Veterans Light Up the Arts will feature performances and art exhibition

Work by local student artists featured in annual Milwaukee Art Museum exhibition

Students receive national recognition through Scholastic Art Awards

Milwaukee Art Museum offers visitors another year of Meijer free admission days

Monthly free day and extended hours have switched to Thursdays in 2017

Milwaukee Art Museum Opens New Exhibitions to Engage Visitors this Winter

From a contemporary site-specific installation, to photographs and videos of New York City street life, to icons from the Layton Art Collection, there’s an abundance of art to explore

Milwaukee Art Museum Receives Historic Gift of More Than 500 Jules Chéret Works

Susee and James L. Wiechmann will also underwrite new prints and drawings curator

Milwaukee Art Museum Announces New Creative Director

New hire brings a wealth of design experience to Museum leadership team; will work to create a fresh visual experience

Paper Play: Kindergarten to Contemporary Art provides interactive educational experience at the Milwaukee Art Museum

Kohl’s Art Generation Gallery inspires unique art making, play and enhanced cognitive growth

Milwaukee Art Museum celebrates the season with exciting events and extended hours in December

Family-friendly activities, dining, shopping make Museum ideal spot for holiday fun

Holiday gifts at the Milwaukee Art Museum to suit every taste

Museum Store offers one-of-a-kind gifts and brand new Museum gift card in-store and online

Nature and Opulence: The Art of Martin Johnson Heade offers Milwaukee Art Museum visitors calm in the holiday storm

Masterpieces by one of the most important American artists of the 19th century convey warmth and sheer beauty

Milwaukee Art Museum chief curator to take director position at Florida museum

Brady Roberts’ last day at the Museum is October 21.

Milwaukee Art Museum offers unique ways to celebrate the harvest season

October also brings the opening of a new exhibition.

Russ Feingold to speak at Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee meeting

The Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee meeting will be held on the 3rd Floor of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center at Noon.

Milwaukee Art Museum announces new museum library at historic Judge Jason Downer mansion

The three-story Judge Jason Downer mansion was designed by architect Edward Townsend Mix and built in 1874.

Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee Announces upcoming speakers – Sen. Johnson and Russ Feingold

Advanced reservations are required.

Dijkstra’s recent video installations to debut at the Milwaukee Art Museum

Over the past 30 years, Dijkstra has produced a sensitive and eloquent body of photographic and video work.

July brings film, food, and family-fun events to the Museum!

The Museum is open Monday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays until 8 p.m.

Milwaukee County District Attorney Debate hosted by Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee

The debate will be held on June 29, 2016 at 11:45 AM on the 3rd Floor of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.

Panel from MICAH to speak about hate crimes affecting children in Milwaukee

The event is on June 15, 2016 at Noon on the 3rd Floor of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.

Lincoln Memorial Dr. Was Under Water

A 20-year landfill project created the road and the city’s waterfront playground.

Milwaukee Art Museum Announces New Director

Marcelle Polednik selected from field of dozens of national candidates; poised to harness Museum’s momentum

Donna and Donald Baumgartner make historic endowment gift to Milwaukee Art Museum

$8 million gift dedicated to support Museum Director; largest gift ever made to institution’s endowment

Artist’s first major museum exhibition explores photography in the Internet age

Milwaukee Art Museum debuts Penelope Umbrico: Future Perfect May 5

New Milwaukee Art Museum Membership Offers More Access to Area Families

“Family Access Membership” available starting May 15

Can Art Museum Afford O’Donnell Park?

Deal sounds almost too good to be true. Here's a reality check.

MAM Offers To Buy O’Donnell Park, War Memorial

County taxpayers will save at least $9 million in non-cash transaction.

Awaken the Sense, Welcome Spring at Milwaukee Art Museum’s Annual “Art in Bloom”

The popular floral spectacle, marketplace and fashion show returns March 17-20

Highly Anticipated Opening of Milwaukee Art Museum’s Renovated Collection Galleries Set for November 24

Restored, Reinstalled, and Reimagined Museum Delivers a New Future for the Iconic Milwaukee Institution and a Visitor Experience to Match the New Space

VISION 2050 workshop is Thursday, November 19 in Milwaukee

Important regional planning workshop info from Alderman Robert Bauman

Governor Scott Walker Releases Veterans Day Statement

Governor Scott Walker released the following statement today in honor of Veterans Day

Milwaukee County to Host Job Fair for Veterans Thursday, October 8th

More than 80 employers will be present at the job fair.

Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors set Public Hearing on Proposal to Develop Park East Land

Invites Public to the Table

Lakefront, Late 1920s

Before the War Memorial -- and before trees and vegetation -- the lakefront was a flat plain.

Milwaukee County Unveils Street Sign for Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel

Wetzel was a door gunner for the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company when his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam on January 8, 1968.

Veterans’ job fair will be Thursday at War Memorial

Event will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5; 80 employers expected

Milwaukee Art Museum Expansion

Crews have begun work on new exhibition space and lakefront entry for the museum, as our photos show.

51st Veterans Day Parade

Every branch of the service was represented, along with politicians, ROTC students, debutantes, Hmong police officers and military canines.

Veterans Job Fair Expands to Record Number of Employers

The annual fall Milwaukee County Veterans Job Fair is the largest in the events history.

County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Host 9/11 Ceremony

Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Governor Scott Walker, British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott and other local leaders will honor the victims of September 11, 2001.

JS Critic Likes New Art Museum Addition

Schumacher gives it thumbs up but big issues remain.

What a Difference an Architect Makes

Jim Shields’ new art museum design improves on his first, and saves the museum from itself.

Art Museum Drops Design, Re-Hires Shields

In a remarkable turnabout, the Milwaukee Art Museum scraps its controversial design and brings back the city's leading museum architect.

Why the Milwaukee Art Museum Changed Its Design

Museum staff wanted more gallery space, even if it meant ruining Jim Shields design for the new addition.

Why the Art Museum Addition Must Not Be Built

This could be the biggest architectural mistake Milwaukee has ever made.

Milwaukee Art Museum announces new Curator of American and Decorative Arts

The Milwaukee Art Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandon Ruud as the new Constance and Dudley J. Godfrey Jr. Curator of American Art and Decorative Arts

Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic Praises New Milwaukee Art Museum Expansion

Results of Historic Compromise

Public Works Committee to Hear Plans for New Taxicab Permits

Tomorrow’s meeting of the Common Council’s Public Works Committee will include testimony about the process for issuing 100 new taxicab vehicle permits – including a possible lottery for those permits if necessary.

$1 Billion Needed for Milwaukee Facilities

Public Policy Forum study says $400 million needed for NBA arena, $300 million for convention center and rest for other facilities.

Milwaukee County Board to Hold Budget Hearing Today at 4 P.M.

Milwaukee County War Memorial to Host Annual Event

Supervisor Alexander Voices her Support for Lindsay Park

Launches Web Site “SupportOurPark.com”

Supervisor Rainey Amendment to Help McGovern Park Wins Approval

The Milwaukee County Board Committee on Finance, Personnel and Audit voted to approve a budget amendment to refurbish the basketball courts at McGovern Park.

Milwaukee County Board to Hold Public Hearing on 2014 Budget at Milwaukee County War Memorial Center at 4 p.m. on November 4

The Milwaukee County Board will hold its annual public hearing for the 2014 County Budget at an earlier time, 4 p.m., on Monday, November 4, at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial, in the Memorial Hall on the third floor of the building.

The High Cost of Calatrava

Overruns on his projects are killing other cities. The impact on Milwaukee and its art museum was more positive.

Job Fair for Military Veterans on Thursday

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office are happy to announce a job fair for Military Veterans on Thursday, October 3rd at the War Memorial Center from 9am- 1pm.

Milwaukee County Board to Hold Public Hearing on 2014 Budget at Milwaukee County War Memorial Center at 4 P.M. on November 4

The Milwaukee County Board will hold its annual public hearing for the 2014 County Budget at an earlier time, 4 p.m., on Monday, November 4, at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial, in the Memorial Hall on the third floor of the building.

County Board Celebrates Signing of War Memorial/Milwaukee Art Museum Pact

Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic today was joined by Board colleagues in praising the signing of an agreement between the War Memorial and Milwaukee Art Museum that will ensure the viability and beauty of “two treasures on Milwaukee’s lakefront.”

Historic War Memorial/Milwaukee Art Museum Deal Finalized

Agreement unanimously approved by County Board can now move forward.

County Board Supports Cultural Institutions, Unanimously Adopts Agreement that Honors Veterans and Protects Art

The Milwaukee County Board passed two measures Thursday that will move Milwaukee County forward and provide long-term sustainability for important public institutions.

The $1 Million Art Project

Steve Marcus’ plan to bring world class sculpture to Milwaukee is expensive. Is it a good idea?

County Board Committed to Honoring Veterans, Protecting Art

Last-minute change could be a deal breaker for two local treasures

Milwaukee County Offering Help to Aging Veterans

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office (MCVSO) and the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) are organizing a free one-day event to deliver awareness of benefits to eligible aging veterans and their surviving spouses.

Milwaukee County Board Pleased With Milwaukee Art Museum/War Memorial Operations Agreement

Says Pact is Important to Future Improvements

Art Museum, War Memorial Groups Claim Success in Negotiations

Board-Appointed Mediator Advances Recommendations to Committee of Milwaukee County Board

Hundreds of Job Openings for Military Veterans

Event Tomorrow 9am – 1pm

Veterans Job Fair Offers Hundreds of Job Openings for Vets

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce a Job Fair for Military Veterans will be held on Thursday, March 7th at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center from 9am - 1pm.

Northwestern Mutual Announces Design Team for Downtown Milwaukee Office Tower

Pickard Chilton selected as design architect for addition to Milwaukee skyline

County Lobbyists Asleep on the Job?

They should be working to get more state funding. But they’re too busy protecting the county board.

Justice Geske Appointed as Mediator For Art Museum, War Memorial Negotiations

Highly Respected Justice Janine Geske Accepts Role to Move Iconic Institutions Past Impasse

Milwaukee County Board Adopts 2013 Budget

Board Overrides 23 of 25 Budget Vetoes from County Executive, Prepares to Implement Business of the People of Milwaukee County

Veterans Day Ceremony Will Honor WWII Hero

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office are pleased to announce a unique award ceremony at the War Memorial Center on November 10, 2012.

Supervisor Alexander Seeks Peace Between War Memorial and Art Museum

Proposal would bring resolution to operational issues, fund services for veterans, and pave the way for Dryhootch partnership

The Port’s Potential

Once the top transit option, Milwaukee’s lakefront could become a more important player. Third in a series.

The Invisible Man

The chief opponent of the art museum’s $25 million repair plan has stood by while the War Memorial rotted away.

The Media’s $10 Million Error

The art museum’s plan to repair the War Memorial will cost $25 million, not $15 million. And that’s not all the errors.

Authentic Identity

Enhancing Milwaukee’s identity is an elusive endeavor. A city can both make and be given an identity. Some recent town center developments have tried to create identity with one massive all encompassing project.

Greedy Grebe — Bradley Foundation Pays Boss Big $

An article in the Journal of Philanthropy noted that Michael W. Grebe, the former managing partner of Foley & Lardner took an unusual approach to retirement, in that he did not. Instead, the man went right to work running the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc., the Milwaukee charitable organization with 2003 assets of $579,976,984. One thing he learned over the years at Foley is how to bring in the big bucks. Retirement does not appear to have sapped his earning power very much. In 2002 Grebe received $292,246 salary from the foundation for his 40 hours of work each week in the Lion House on N. Franklin Place. He also received employee benefit plans and deferred compensation of $34,555. Not bad pay for a retired guy — albeit one who worked forty hours each week in a mansion surrounded by artwork on loan from the Milwaukee Art Museum — artwork we have written about in the past that had been contributed to the museum, we had thought, for the benefit of the public and not for the benefit of retired corporate lawyers. Grebe must be an indefatigable retired person, since his 2003 salary from the Bradley Foundation was raised to $529,333 and his benefits increased to $42,000. How to explain the $237,000 raise in just one year? Well, according to the foundation’s IRS form 990PF, President Grebe now is listed as working 50 hours a week instead of 40. (Like we say, indefatigable.) So, if you look at it this way, his raise is not that much — in 2002 he made $140.50 per hour, and in 2003 he made $203.58 per hour. Let’s hope Foley and Lardner has a retirement program for its retired partners that will help guys like Grebe stay afloat in these difficult times. SCHOOL OF EASY KNOX Chipstone Foundation a Financial Bonanza for Milwaukee Big Shot Lawyers Foley & Lardner partners don’t have to be retired to draw large outside incomes. Take the case of W. David Knox II, a descendant of the W. D. Hoard family of Fort Atkinson. (You know the people — they operate the National Dairy Shrine, an actual tourist attraction that has a nearly religious appeal for the lactose tolerant). He is listed as the President, CEO and Director of Milwaukee’s Chipstone Foundation in that organization’s IRS reports. In 2003, the foundation, dedicated to American furniture and English porcelains had assets of $55,358,295, not counting the furniture itself, which has been written off the books in accordance with usual accounting standards — although that has not stopped the foundation for selling millions of dollars of furniture whenever the trustees have a whim to do so. Knox received $3,000 for attending 10 directors and committee meetings of the foundation, which is peanuts compared to retired Foley and Lardner partner Allen M. Taylor, who received $144,000 for 35 hours a week work at the foundation in that year. Taylor also received $162,842 in contributions to employee benefit plans that year. (Back […]