The Milwaukee Public Museum strives to make its exhibits, programs, and facilities accessible to all visitors.
If you have questions or would like to receive additional information about accessibility at the Milwaukee Public Museum, please contact access@mpm.edu or 414-278-6943.
experiences
MPM has several experiences to make our exhibits more accessible to visitors, including Explorer Kits (kits connected to exhibits that include objects, fidgets, braille, and other materials), noise-reducing headphones and more. Click here for a current list of experiences available.
entrances
The Milwaukee Public Museum has three entrances for visitors (James Lovell St, Wells St, and MacArthur Square). School groups should be dropped off on James Lovell St. located on the east side of the building.
Parking
A limited number of accessible spaces are available in MacArthur Square parking garage (fees apply). Street parking is free for vehicles with an accessible parking placard. The Museum provides drop-off access on James Lovell Street. If you are arriving in an accessible bus or van, there is van accessible parking on 9th Street. We recommend visitors arriving in a large van or bus be dropped off and picked up as parking for these vehicles is extremely limited.
Elevators
Elevators for the general Museum are located on the north side of the building. The Dome Elevators for the general Museum are located on the north side of the building. The Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater and Planetarium also has elevator access.
Wheelchairs
We have many wheelchairs available in various sizes for adults and children to use free of charge. There is wheelchair-accessible seating at the top level of the Dome Theater that is accessible via elevator.
STROLLERS
We have a limited number of strollers available upon request at the Admissions counter. Strollers cannot be reserved in advance, and are single-child use and not for infants or infant carriers. Strollers are not allowed in all special exhibit galleries or the Planetarium and Dome Theater.
Restrooms
Restrooms and drinking fountains are located throughout the Museum. Accessible restrooms are located on the First Floor. Several restrooms have baby-changing stations. An all-gender restroom is located on the Second Floor.
Personal Cares Room
Located on the First Floor near the elevators. A private, locked space for personal care needs including medical and adult changing needs with supplies. To ensure proper disinfecting/cleaning procedures, a Museum staff member must unlock the space for use.
Sensory room
A controlled environment to regulate emotions or behaviors is located on the First Floor near the women’s restroom. Lights and sounds are adjustable.
TACTILE GALLERY
There is a tactile gallery located on the Third Floor in the Africa exhibit. This features tactile elements to explore through touch and braille labels.
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted throughout the Museum.
Interpreters
Sign language interpreters are available for guided tours and lectures. Interpreters must be reserved two weeks in advance. Reservations can be made by calling 414-278-2728 or by emailing access@mpm.edu.
Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater and Planetarium
Listening devices may be requested at the entrance to the theater. Wheelchair and companion spaces are also available. Some shows provide open captioning, and some may have flashing lights and loud noises. If you are bringing a sign language interpreter with your group, there is a special light system available by advanced request by calling 414-278-2728 or email access@mpm.edu.
SPARK! Programs
Designed for people in the early- to mid-stages of memory loss to visit with their family, caregivers, or group facility.
MUSEUMS FOR ALL
MPM is proud to partner with Museums for All. Through this program, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 500 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card. Tickets are available in-person at the MPM admissions counter. Cost is $3 for adult/teen/senior/youth (children 0-3 are free). Up to four per family.