Jewish Museum Milwaukee
Jewish Museum Milwaukee preserves and presents the history of the Jewish people in southeastern Wisconsin in a way that emphasizes the American values of tolerance, respect, freedom and celebration of diversity. The Museum offers interactive displays, a focused education program, notable special exhibits and a collection of artifacts that includes a one-of-a-kind tapestry by artist Marc Chagall. Our community’s Holocaust Memorial is located in front of the building.
Location
1360 North Prospect Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Get Directions
Contact Us
414.390.5730
info@jewishmuseummilwaukee.org
jewishmuseummilwaukee.org
Museum Public Hours
Monday-Thursday*: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Closed for Jewish holidays.
Free parking behind the building.
* Open until 7pm every third Thursday of each month.
Admission Prices
Adults, $7
Seniors (60+), $6
Students, $4
Children Age 6 and under, Free
Active Duty Military, Free
Jewish Museum Milwaukee is offering the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families FREE admission. For information on other Blue Star Museums in Wisconsin, click here.
Upcoming Events
November ‘Thirds-day’ + Master Mystery Screening
November 21, 2019 • 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Did you know on the Third Thursday of each month, Jewish Museum Milwaukee is open late? That’s right – we stay open until 7:00 pm so you have extra time to explore our exhibits! In the 1910s, movie theaters were quickly becoming strong competition for the vaudeville stage. Always trying to stay ahead of the times, Harry Houdini got into the movie business and even started his own studio, the “Houdini Picture Corporation.”
In 1918, he starred in a 15-part silent serial called “The Master Mystery.” This series tells the story of a Justice Department agent, Quentin Locke, who investigates a powerful cartel that is protected by a robot and using a gas weapon known as “The Madagascar Madness.” Highlights of the series include many of Houdini’s daring escapes that were captured with no additional camera tricks.
We will be screening the entire series throughout the run of Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini; this “Thirdsday‘ we will screen parts 6-10 and finish the film on December ‘Thirdsday.’ Join us to view this important piece of film and Houdini history.
Screening begins promptly at 5:30 PM and should last about an hour.
Regular Museum Admission Applies | Members FREE
Black Magic Friday
November 29, 2019 • 10:00am – 2:00pm
Escape from those crowded shopping malls and join Jewish Museum Milwaukee to learn about the “Sensation of the World,” the “Man From Beyond,” the “Expert Handcuff Manipulator,” the great Harry Houdini this #BlackFriday!
Black Friday Fun
- Houdini Know-How: Answer a trivia question about Houdini at the front desk before you escape the Museum. Answer correctly and win a free prize!
- Get that Worm, Early Bird! The first 10 visitors through the door get ½ price admission.
- Make New Friends! Get $10 off any level membership (for new members or members who have lapsed for more than one year).
Museum Admission | Members Free
Offered in connection with Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini, an exhibit on display at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, September 26, 2019 – January 5, 2020.
Houdini Hocus-Pocus with Glen Gerard
December 1, 2019 • 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Did you know that the late, great Harry Houdini was one of the first Milwaukee Journal newspaper delivery boys? Once he became famous, he gave free shows for the Journal news boys when he played Milwaukee.
That’s just one unique fact that magician Glen Gerard will share at Houdini Hocus-Pocus, a combination magic show and history lesson! This family-friendly show will feature some of Houdini’s original magic tricks including Metamorphosis and the East Indian Needle Trick. Be entertained by mystery, comedy and a great opportunity to discover things you never knew about the amazing life of legendary Milwaukee illusionist, Harry Houdini.
Children $7 | Adults (18+) $10
Program admission includes admission into the Museum
Free Parking in the Museum Lot
Houdini and the Cult of Celebrity
December 5, 2019 • 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Fame has always been shaped by new technologies and changing conceptions of the self. Houdini was the last of the steam-age celebrities, whose fame grew from many of the same developments – transcontinental railroads, teeming cities, and an industrialized press – that transformed American life in the industrial age.
Yet even as he thrilled crowds, the kind of stardom Houdini enjoyed, was rooted in highly-publicized live performances, which was eclipsed by new forms of mass-mediated celebrity: the screen idol, the pop star, the television personality, and the viral sensation. Join Rick Popp, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies at UWM, to explore how the notion of celebrity has evolved between Harry Houdini’s time and today.
Museum Members $5 | Nonmembers $7
Program admission includes admission into the Museum
Membership
Jewish Museum Milwaukee has so much to offer, including engaging changing exhibits, special events and programs, a dynamic permanent exhibit, all-ages educational programs, celebrated archives, and rental facilities.
As a member of Jewish Museum Milwaukee, you will not only play an important role in ensuring quality programs, but you also gain unlimited access to the Museum and a wealth of opportunities for discovery and growth.
As a member at any level, you will enjoy:
Free museum admission
Reduced program fees
10% discount in the museum store
Members only events
Featured Exhibit
Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini
June 16 – September, 2016
Inescapable, curated by performer and magician David London, tells the story of how Ehrich Weiss became Harry Houdini and investigates the technologies, marketing prowess and entertainment trends that transformed him into a superstar. On one level, the exhibit is pure fun – incorporating magic, escapes, séances, films, rare artifacts and hands-on illusions. On a deeper level, the exhibit pulls back the curtain, revealing the story of the man behind the image.