Amendment Strengthens Safeguards in Transition of Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Museums to Nonprofit Management

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has approved an amendment to legislation governing the transition of the Charles Allis Art Museum and the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum to nonprofit management. Introduced by Supervisor Justin Bielinski, the amendment strengthens safeguards to protect Milwaukee County’s financial interests and ensure the preservation of these institutions as cultural and tax-advantaged assets.

The amendment stipulates that any future sale or lease of County property related to the museums be contingent upon two key conditions: a determination by the County Comptroller, with advice from the County’s bond counsel, confirming that the County can preserve the tax-advantaged status of its obligations related to the museums or take other actions to prevent adverse financial impacts. Additionally, any proposed sale of the Villa Terrace property by the Friends of Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum must receive approval from the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Bielinski emphasized the importance of these protections:

“This amendment is a vital step in ensuring that, no matter what sales may occur in the future, the Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Museums will remain the cultural treasures that enrich and strengthen our community,” said Supervisor Bielinski. “I am grateful to Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman for his leadership as Chair of the Parks and Culture Committee in advancing this important legislation.”

Under the approved legislation, management and ownership of the Charles Allis Art Museum will transition to the Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Museums, Inc. (CAVT), while the Friends of Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Ltd. (FOVT) will oversee the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. This shift to nonprofit oversight provides the museums with enhanced flexibility and resources, ensuring their continued growth and accessibility as valued community institutions for generations to come.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.