
MM Editor•Apr 19, 2026
Milwaukee Art Museum — Calatrava's Winged Pavilion over Lake Michigan
At a Glance
The Milwaukee Art Museum on Lake Michigan opened its landmark Santiago Calatrava Quadracci Pavilion in October 2001. Its 66 m Burke Brise Soleil wings open and close three times a day.
The Winged Pavilion
Calatrava's first US project, with 36 steel fins that move hydraulically, fold automatically when wind exceeds 37 km/h. Complemented by Eero Saarinen's 1957 War Memorial main building.
Must-See
- 15 Georgia O'Keeffe paintings — among the largest holdings.
- Leading US collection of 19th-century German and Austrian painting.
- 3,000-piece folk art collection.
- Warhol, Motherwell, Close.
- Wing opening at 10 am, noon, 5 pm.
Visiting Tips
20 min walk from downtown Milwaukee; 1h30 train from Chicago. $22. 2–3 hours. Closed Mondays.