Explore Iconic Milwaukee Landmarks During Doors Open Weekend

Milwaukee’s architectural wonders await exploration as Doors Open Milwaukee offers an exclusive look into nearly 200 sites, including historic churches and the oldest tenpin bowling alley in the nation. This annual event draws a significant crowd eager to experience the city’s rich heritage and hidden histories.

With nearly 200 locations on display, attendees can stroll through Milwaukee’s architectural marvels, from lush gardens to iconic landmarks like the Pfister Hotel and Pabst Brewery. The event, which attracts around 70,000 visitors, provides a unique opportunity to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and uncover stories often overlooked.

Grace Fuhr, events director for Historic Milwaukee, highlighted the event’s expansion beyond downtown to include various neighborhoods, such as Lindsay Heights and Mitchell Street. Visitors can discover sites like Alice’s Garden and 20 Ton Studios or explore historic churches and arts venues.

The Quadracci Pavilion, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava for the Milwaukee Art Museum. Photo courtesy of Historic Milwaukee

Fuhr explained how buildings such as the Basilica of Saint Josaphat narrate the city’s history. Constructed by a large Polish community in the 1890s, the Basilica illustrates both the past and evolution of its neighborhood.

Interior of an ornate church with wooden pews, marble columns, detailed gold-trimmed ceiling, chandeliers, and religious statues lining the aisle. — The interior of St. Josaphat Basilica, one of the historic landmarks that is part of Doors Open Milwaukee. *Photo courtesy of Historic Milwaukee*

Also featured is Milwaukee City Hall, a preserved architectural treasure designed by Henry Koch. This historic building, once the tallest in the country, continues to function as the city’s governmental hub.

A historic stone building with arched windows and a tall clock tower stands beside a modern glass skyscraper under a clear sky. — Milwaukee City Hall, built in 1895, still serves its original purpose. *Photo courtesy of Historic Milwaukee*

An intriguing addition to the event is a City of Milwaukee manhole exhibit. Fuhr describes it as a “fun and unique” site, especially for families, allowing a peek into the city’s underground infrastructure.

Round metal manhole cover labeled City of Milwaukee Sewer set in cracked asphalt pavement. — At Doors Open Milwaukee, visitors can get a peek underneath a manhole cover into the sewers below. *Photo courtesy of Historic Milwaukee*

This year’s lineup includes 50 new sites, with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee opening 40 locations on campus. Highlights include the Chemistry Building, robotics facility, and a rooftop greenhouse with over 600 tropical plants.

Fuhr advises attendees to focus on a few locations each day, as the event’s breadth makes it impossible to see everything. The event website offers tools to help visitors plan their routes and explore specific interests or neighborhoods.

A rooftop greenhouse with illuminated interior sits adjacent to a garden and is attached to a large brick building, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background. — The UWM Biological Sciences Greenhouse is home to more than 600 plant species. It’s a new addition to the Doors Open Milwaukee lineup this year, along with 39 other UWM campus sites. *Photo courtesy of Historic Milwaukee*

Doors Open Milwaukee takes place Sept. 26-27, offering free access to various locations across the city. Visitors can explore WPR’s Milwaukee studio and more. For further details, visit HistoricMilwaukee.org.