Building Info

Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion. Image from the mansion.
  • Address:
    2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.
  • Taxkey:
    3891852000
  • Architect:
    Ferry & Clas
  • Architectural Style:
    Flemish Renaissance
  • Status:
  • Assessment:
    Tax-Exempt
  • Year Built:

Historic mansion built for Captain Frederick Pabst and his wife Maria Best Pabst in 1892. Mansion has approximately 20,000 square-feet of space. It has been operated as a house museum since 1978.

In 1975, the home was proposed to be demolished, with the land used as a parking lot for a nearby hotel. That proposal did not advance, and that hotel is now Marquette University‘s Mashuda Hall.

A Pabst structure from the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago now serves as the main entrance to the house and is affixed to the home’s eastern edge.

Designed by Ferry & Clas.

According to H. Russell Zimmerann‘s The Heritage Guidebook…

“Milwaukee’s most important residential landmark was built at the time when Pabst became president of the family brewery and its name was changed from Best to the Pabst Brewing Company. Architect George Bowman Ferry (of Ferry & Clas) drew the plans for this distinguished Flemish Renaissance mansion. Its handsomely proportioned facade, with corbie-stepped gables, is made of pressed tan brick on a Wauwatosa limestone foundation. The strapwork ornament is executed in matching terra-cotta and the red pantile roof is trimmed with copper rainwater heads and downspouts. The conservatory on the east end of the house was originally an exhibit pavilion for the display of Pabst Brewing Co. products (most likely at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1893). Made almost entirely of terra-cotta, the baroque design is ornamented with beer steins, barley, and hop vines and was designed by architect Otto Strack. Both inside and out, the house is in a remarkably unspoiled condition.

Photos

Show All

Content referencing Pabst Mansion

Experience the Enchantment of “Christmas at the Pabst Mansion”
Milwaukee Downtown names its 2024 Downtown Achievement Award Winners
Press Release

Milwaukee Downtown names its 2024 Downtown Achievement Award Winners

Key downtown projects and organizations recognized at Milwaukee Downtown’s 2024 State of Downtown

Explore Pabst Mansion in a “new light” with Illuminating the Dark Specialty Tour
Murphy’s Law: Remembering Cecilia Gilbert
Murphy’s Law

Remembering Cecilia Gilbert

'The Queen' brought joyful passion and a savvy insider's knowledge to her work with city government and many civic boards.

Floral Reflections: Ikebana at the Pabst Mansion, May 10 – May 12
Pabst Mansion Celebrates Women’s History Month with Specialty Tour
Press Release

Pabst Mansion Celebrates Women’s History Month with Specialty Tour

Women of the Pabst Mansion Tour Offered on Sundays in March

Pabst Mansion to Offer Love Themed Tours in February
Press Release

Pabst Mansion to Offer Love Themed Tours in February

Celebrate Valentine’s Day all month long at the Pabst Mansion

Museum Days Returns to Milwaukee
Press Release

Museum Days Returns to Milwaukee

Experience world-class cultural institutions at discounted prices Jan. 18-28 in the Greater Milwaukee area

VISIT Milwaukee Announces New Vice President and First-Ever Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion
22 Restaurants Hosting December Dining Events, Holiday Specials

22 Restaurants Hosting December Dining Events, Holiday Specials

From prix fixe chef's dinners to takeout meals, Milwaukee restaurants offer something for everyone this holiday season.

A Grand Holiday Tradition: Christmas at the Pabst Mansion
Press Release

A Grand Holiday Tradition: Christmas at the Pabst Mansion

Milwaukee’s Favorite Seasonal Experience Returns

MKE County: Crowley Signs Off On Greendale Barn Restoration
MKE County

Crowley Signs Off On Greendale Barn Restoration

A property on Loomis Road once identified for demolition will be redeveloped for events, Airbnb-style rentals.

Experience the Enchantment of “Christmas at the Pabst Mansion”
Explore Pabst Mansion in a “new light” with Illuminating the Dark Specialty Tour
Pabst Mansion Debuts Promotion for Near West Side Residents
Press Release

Pabst Mansion Debuts Promotion for Near West Side Residents

Residents receive complimentary admission on June 15th

Broken Yolk on Marquette Campus Closes

Broken Yolk on Marquette Campus Closes

Breakfast and brunch staple 'Bro-Yo' a victim of 'father time,' according to owner.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Commission Okays Plan To Save Pabst Mansion Pavilion
Eyes on Milwaukee

Commission Okays Plan To Save Pabst Mansion Pavilion

Key part of a 10-year plan to restore mansion to blue-ribbon status.

Floral Reflections: Ikebana at the Pabst Mansion, April 28 – May 1
Press Release

Floral Reflections: Ikebana at the Pabst Mansion, April 28 – May 1

Japanese Art of Floral Exhibition Returns to Pabst Mansion This Week

Eyes on Milwaukee: Pabst Mansion Wants To Deconstruct 1893 World’s Fair Addition
Eyes on Milwaukee

Pabst Mansion Wants To Deconstruct 1893 World’s Fair Addition

Nonprofit plans to salvage some elements for future reconstruction.

Pabst Mansion to Offer Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies and Themed Tours
Press Release

Pabst Mansion to Offer Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies and Themed Tours

This Valentine’s Day the Pabst Mansion Wants to Make Your Special Day Even More Special

Museum Days Returns for 2023

Museum Days Returns for 2023

With special exhibits and free and reduced admission at 27 metro area museums.

Members Only: Free Tickets to Christmas at the Pabst Mansion
Members Only

Free Tickets to Christmas at the Pabst Mansion

Get a holiday tour of opulent architecture worth $40, while supplies last.

Entertainment: Holiday Folk Fair Headlines Packed Weekend
Entertainment

Holiday Folk Fair Headlines Packed Weekend

Christmas at the Pabst Mansion is back. And the city's Christmas tree is in a new spot.

Friday Photos: Lake Park Bridge Overhaul Nears Completion
Friday Photos

Lake Park Bridge Overhaul Nears Completion

Bridge to reopen next month after six-year closure

Eyes on Milwaukee: Mayor Johnson Moves to Concordia Neighborhood
Eyes on Milwaukee

Mayor Johnson Moves to Concordia Neighborhood

A new house for new mayor, who buys historic mansion on Near West Side.

VISIT Milwaukee Has New Plan To Drive Tourism

VISIT Milwaukee Has New Plan To Drive Tourism

Strategy includes Milwaukee-focused TV show, traveling visitor center and more.

Bar Exam: Pabst Mansion Beer Garden
Bar Exam

Pabst Mansion Beer Garden

Historic mansion was home to Milwaukee beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst.

Pabst Mansion Adds Beer Garden

Pabst Mansion Adds Beer Garden

Add some Gemütlichkeit to your next museum visit, or just stop by for a cold one.

Plats and Parcels: Hmong Association Buys West Side Mansion
Plats and Parcels

Hmong Association Buys West Side Mansion

Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.

Central Standard Distillery Installs Historic Tasting Table

Central Standard Distillery Installs Historic Tasting Table

3,000-pound table made from 122-year-old maple tree planted by Archbishop Messmer.

VISIT Milwaukee’s Communications Director Recognized by Travel Wisconsin
Press Release

VISIT Milwaukee’s Communications Director Recognized by Travel Wisconsin

Claire Koenig wins Rising Star Award at WIGCOT 2021 and several VISIT Milwaukee partners are also recognized

The State of Politics: How Evers Spent $2 Billion to Fight Covid
The State of Politics

How Evers Spent $2 Billion to Fight Covid

A very long list of recipients. But the money runs out on January 1.

Plats and Parcels: Gilbane, CD Smith Will Build Wisconsin Center Expansion
Plats and Parcels

Gilbane, CD Smith Will Build Wisconsin Center Expansion

Plus: State's first Tesla showroom, architecture firm mulls expansion, Pabst Mansion demolishing house

Plats and Parcels: Three Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC
Plats and Parcels

Three Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC

Plus: Former Toys R Us becoming grocery store, and Pabst Mansion plans auction.

Outdoor Estate Sale at the Historic Pabst Mansion
Press Release

Outdoor Estate Sale at the Historic Pabst Mansion

Saturday, June 8, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. First-ever Outdoor Estate Sale includes cookout featuring Crafty Cow MKE

Pabst Mansion Opens Doors to Community For Free to Celebrate Anniversary
Press Release

Pabst Mansion Opens Doors to Community For Free to Celebrate Anniversary

Free admission day for the community on Sunday, July 29

Pabst Mansion creates leadership role, Announces hiring of Pamela Williams-Lime as President
Press Release

Pabst Mansion creates leadership role, Announces hiring of Pamela Williams-Lime as President

As president, Williams-Lime will lead all operations at the Pabst Mansion.

Milwaukee Historical Organizations Partner for the First Time To Host Wine Tasting Event at Beer Baron’s Pabst Mansion
Press Release

Milwaukee Historical Organizations Partner for the First Time To Host Wine Tasting Event at Beer Baron’s Pabst Mansion

Tickets are $40 per person and $35 for members of the Pabst Mansion or the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

Eyes On Milwaukee: Pabst Mansion Celebrates Its Survival
Eyes On Milwaukee

Pabst Mansion Celebrates Its Survival

Unique Gilded Age mansion built in 1892 almost became a parking lot 40 years ago.

Upcoming Events being held at the Pabst Mansion during their 125th Anniversary Year!
Press Release

Upcoming Events being held at the Pabst Mansion during their 125th Anniversary Year!

A series of upcoming events through the end of the year will highlight the importance of this beautiful house museum, as well as the legacy of the Pabst family.

Plenty of Horne: Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion At 125
Plenty of Horne

Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion At 125

Museum celebrates home's 125th anniversary. Open for tours since 1978.

Pabst Mansion Open House: In Celebration of their 125th Anniversary
Press Release

Pabst Mansion Open House: In Celebration of their 125th Anniversary

Event Co-­Sponsors: Pabst Brewing Company and Usinger Fine Sausage

Bar Exam: The Most Beautiful Bar In Town?
Bar Exam

The Most Beautiful Bar In Town?

Best Place at the Pabst is one of the most enchanting saloons in the nation.

House Confidential: The Top 10 Stories of 2016
House Confidential

The Top 10 Stories of 2016

Readers' favorites? Stories about mansions, rich people, sports stars, politicians.

Can Lake Park Bridge Be Saved?

Can Lake Park Bridge Be Saved?

New report suggests restoration is feasible. Public information will discuss six alternatives.

Travel Back to When Beer Was King and Brands Were Born During Art on Tap This Summer at MOWA
Press Release

Travel Back to When Beer Was King and Brands Were Born During Art on Tap This Summer at MOWA

Art on Tap: Early Wisconsin Brewery Art and Advertising. July 9 – September 25, 2016. Opening party: Saturday, July 16 | 2:00 – 5:00

Building data on this page, including assessment information, was last updated on April 5, 2024

See something wrong? Want to report an issue? Contact us.