Supervisor Taylor Applauds Financially Sound Transition Plan for Charles Allis, Villa Terrace Museums

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee County Committee on Finance has unanimously approved a proposal to transition the Charles Allis Art Museum and the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum to nonprofit management, paving the way for the financial independence of these institutions while reducing the County’s long-term obligations. Vice-Chair of the Committee on Parks and Culture and Committee on Finance, Supervisor Steve F. Taylor, made the following statement:

“Milwaukee County taxpayers cannot continue to fund all the cultural institutions under our care. This is a responsible and necessary decision that addresses Milwaukee County’s financial realities while ensuring the long-term viability of the Charles Allis and Villa Terrace museums. By transitioning these institutions to nonprofit management, we reduce the County’s obligations by over $22 million and place the museums on a sustainable path forward. This approach protects taxpayers while charting a sustainable future for these cultural assets.”

Under the proposed agreements, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum will enter a three-year lease at $1 per year, with the option to purchase the property and collection for $1 at the end of the term. Similarly, the Charles Allis Art Museum will operate under a one-year lease at $1, after which ownership of the property and collection will transfer to its nonprofit management.

The transition includes a phased funding approach, Milwaukee County will continue providing reduced operating and capital subsidies through 2028 to ensure the sustainability of the museums during the transition period.

This agreement was spurred by a 2024 Budget Amendment authored by Supervisors Steve F. Taylor and Shawn Rolland.

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.