Milwaukee Art Museum Bets a Monet on a Brewers World Series Victory
MILWAUKEE, WI —October 23, 2026—The Milwaukee Art Museum is backing the Brewers with more than cheers. It’s putting Monet on the line.
As the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays face off in the World Series, the Milwaukee Art Museum and Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg have agreed to a friendly wager. Each institution is backing its team with a beloved painting by Claude Monet. The museum on the losing side will send its painting on loan to the winning team’s hometown for a victory lap in the galleries.
If the Brewers bring home the championship, Milwaukee will welcome St. Petersburg’s Houses of Parliament: Effect of Fog, London, 1904. If the Rays prevail, the Milwaukee Art Museum will lend its Waterloo Bridge, Sunlight Effect to its Florida counterpart.
A leader of the Impressionist movement and one of the most influential painters of the nineteenth century, Monet transformed how artists depict light and color. The winning city won’t just take home a World Series title. Its museum will bring a Monet masterpiece to town, giving the community more world-class art to enjoy.
After a 103-win regular season, the Brewers are four wins away from their first championship.
“When I moved to Milwaukee, I became a part of the Brew Crew ,” said Kim Sajet, Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum. “They’re the best team in baseball, and I’m backing them with one of our most beloved paintings. Two Monets will look incredible in our galleries. “Klaudio, consider this your invitation to visit Milwaukee. Go Brewers!”
“We admire Kim’s enthusiasm, but we think Milwaukee’s Monet would enjoy a little Florida vacation,” said Klaudio Rodriguez, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. “We’re backing the Rays all the way, and we’re ready to welcome Milwaukee’s masterpiece to St. Petersburg. Let’s see Milwaukee put its Monet where its mouth is.”
Milwaukee has some experience with this kind of competition. In 2011, the Milwaukee Art Museum and Carnegie Museum of Art wagered painting loans on the outcome of Super Bowl XLV. This time, Milwaukee is bringing its competitive spirit to the ballpark.
The wager involves a temporary loan; ownership of each painting will remain with its museum. Loan and exhibition dates will be announced following the series. Visitors can see Milwaukee’s Waterloo Bridge, Sunlight Effect on view at the Museum now.
Until then, the Milwaukee Art Museum has a simple message: Go Brewers! Let’s bring home the Monet!
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum Launches Yearlong Celebration of the Santiago Calatrava-Designed Quadracci Pavilion’s 25th Anniversary
Aug 6th, 2026 by Milwaukee Art MuseumBuilt to Inspire invites visitors to explore the story behind Milwaukee’s most iconic landmark and celebrate the people, memories, and moments that continue to shape its legacy.
Lakefront Festival of Art Returns June 12–14 with 145 Artists, Live Music, Local Food, and New Extended Evening Hours
May 13th, 2026 by Milwaukee Art MuseumMilwaukee’s favorite summer art festival transforms the Milwaukee Art Museum campus into a vibrant lakeside celebration of creativity and community.
Milwaukee Art Museum Announces Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World Is a Mystery
Mar 24th, 2026 by Milwaukee Art MuseumAs the only Midwest venue for this nationally touring exhibition—and the most comprehensive presentation of Abercrombie’s work ever organized—the Milwaukee Art Museum invites visitors to step into a world of mystery beginning March 27, 2026.
