Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
We are pleased to announce that after over three months of closure and much thoughtful preparation, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is now open to the general public. Our staff did not make this decision to reopen lightly, and we continue to follow the guidelines of health authorities closely to ensure our visitors and our staff can safely enjoy their visit. Admission will be by online reservation only. Tickets may be purchased by visiting our Plan Your Visit page. More information on health and safety guidelines for your visit will be provided when registering. We look forward to seeing you again soon at the museum!
Overlooking Lake Michigan, this Italian Renaissance-style villa was designed by architect David Adler in 1923. Originally the residence of Lloyd Smith of the A.O. Smith Corporation and his family, the Museum features fine and decorative arts dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik, and a formal garden and changing exhibitions by local, regional, and international artists.
Location
2220 North Terrace Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Get Directions
Contact Us
414.271.3656
info@cavtmuseums.org
villaterracemuseum.org
Before Visiting
While the museum remains open during our public hours posted above, access to the museum’s great hall, dining room, and terrace may be limited or non-accessible during events. All other areas, including the museum’s garden, changing exhibition space, and the Cyril Colnik collection remains open. Guests are encouraged to call before visiting, regarding our events schedule.
Museum Public Hours
Reopens March 31, 2021! (See Reservation Times Below)
Wednesday and Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday from 1 p.m. – 8p.m.
(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day.)
Admission Prices
$10 Adults
$7 Seniors (65+), Active Military and students
Free for Members and children 12 and under
Free on the first Wednesday of the month
MMM News Updates
Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Art Museums Announce Reopening on March 31, 2021 – Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful indoor collections and outdoor gardens. The museums continue to follow state and local health and safety measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. These include, masks, social distancing and capacity limits. – LEARN MORE
Due to the pandemic, the MMM partners have suspended MMM Day. We have greeted thousands of visitors to the museums over the last nine years celebrating mothers and families on Mother’s Day. We hope to reschedule in the fall, public health permitting. Please check back with us and thank you for your support!
Membership
Membership to Charles Allis Art Museum and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum provides unlimited visits to both museums and their exhibitions, a newsletter subscription, and discounts on certain special events/programming.
Featured Exhibit
Villa Incognito: Latent Narratives in the Permanent Collection
March 31, 2021 – September 26, 2021
The Villa Terrace is not only a home, but also a fantasy. Based on an Italian Renaissance villa, the mansion’s architectural style, decorative ornament, and objects d’art are a carefully orchestrated masquerade in which Milwaukee’s urban environment fades into the distance and artfully framed views transform Lake Michigan into the Mediterranean Sea. This exhibition examines the mansion and a group of objects from the Villa Terrace collection, showing how various forms of imitation, synthesis, and symbolism are at work, and how these strategies work to create an idealized environment.