Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

This was our first visit to the Museum, and it was for a free opening reception of "Disruptive Ecologies" at the Villa Terrace. The artwork was fascinating but in many rooms the lighting was too dark to read the information cards. But being able to wander through the building was the highlight of the evening. This mansion is huge but each room is very small. The woodwork, details and views are spectacular. I can imagine this is a lovely wedding venue especially if you have a beautifully sunny and warm day outside on the massive terrace.The event was very casual, and I was really hoping to learn more about the museum and building, but all I got was a map with little to no information. And no one on staff (at least I think they were) was showing any interest in sharing any knowledge or details. I enjoyed the walkthrough but hoped for more. Be aware that there is minimal artwork or exhibits to look at, but for us it was free so the cost was appropriate.Maybe it was an off night but I had hoped for more.

Villa Terrace is a fun visit while in Milwaukee. I enjoyed wandering through the different rooms and imagining what life was like when it was built 100 years ago--there is an original steam shower and a funicular (no longer in operation, but still there)! It's like a little piece of Italy in Milwaukee.The patio, garden, and views of the lake are beautiful, as is the interior courtyard in the front of the property.Admission is free the first Thursday of the month.

This was the most BEAUTIFUL wedding I have ever been to. The entire property was breathtaking. From art work to pianos and the best view of the water, anywhere you stood in this venue was a masterpiece. The staff was incredible and hardworking and let the flow of the weddings events happen flawlessly. I appreciated the bathrooms were stocked with anything you might need. They offered a shuttle down to the actual wedding spot as there are 100+ stairs to walk down. I hope to one day visit this location again!!

The idea of this space is lovely.... The upkeep and curation is lacking. The music/performance space was beautiful. But the current exhibits lack direction and appeal (toilet art!!!) I hope the restoration of Hermes and the grounds is successful.

Went to Villa Terrace on a whim and had a great time! I have been wanting to visit this museum for awhile but the times I had tried before, the museum was closed for a private event. The museum artwork itself was okay. We went while they were transitioning exhibits so that was probably a factor. The real star of the show is the amazing architecture, landscape, and view. It was so peaceful to sit outside and take in the sights from to museum. Will definitely visit again for that view!

Visiting Villa Terrace is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours in Milwaukee, but it doesn't have anything on view that would make it an important or must see destination. The site consists of about 18 rooms on two floors, arranged around a central courtyard, plus a very large steeply sloping backyard. About half the rooms display some of the possessions of the family that built and occupied the house. There is some antique furniture, a few paintings and art objects, and some striking wallpaper, but the collection is relatively sparse; There is nothing on the scale of the historic homes left by Vanderbilt or Duponts -- this is a much more modest house. Three rooms upstairs display unique decorative ironwork created by local craftsman Cyril Colnik. Other rooms are used for temporary art exhibits. When I was there, they displayed the works of a 20th century feminist weaver and textile artist. The rear terrace offers a dramatic view of Lake Michigan. About 100 steps allow guests to reach a large flat area of lawn; there is no access to the Lakeshore. There's many colorful flowering bushes and bulbs, especially on the slope, a sufficiency of mature shade trees, a few outdoor sculptures, and a tunnel of vines. The outdoor area is definitely worth exploring; it provides space for strolling or a quiet respite, and it makes a nice contrast to the house. It doesn't have annual flowerbeds or make any pretense to being a botanical garden collection. You will need to use a car to reach Villa Terrace. it is in a residential area and the closest bus stop is several blocks away. There are restrooms for visitors, an elevator, and a gift shop, but there is no café or parking area. My visit was pleasant, peaceful, and worthwhile, but don't come expecting a major museum.

I had such a beautiful day finally visiting Villa Terrace! I've seen the gardens and house at a distance while running so often that I'm surprised it took me this long. An interesting backstory with the architect and the family who commissioned him to build it. The building itself is stunning. So open and airy. But the gardens are what really make it. The fascinating waterfall staircase and just beautiful pathway along the garden. A great place to wander!

Visited Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum the weekend there was MAM free reciprocity. It was the wallpaper exhibit, and who knew wallpaper was its own thing? It was interesting to see the small exhibit, between a few different rooms in this historic mansion. The ironwork exhibit is interesting, as is the story of the German immigrant who came to Milwaukee and found it to be a place open to Germans and also iron work. Some of the pieces look downright current with antlers and crazy devils. The building is interesting, but the grounds are the star, here. Go out back and down the stairs and check out the nicely planned grounds and landscape architecture. I look forward to visiting the grounds in the summer/fall, and also revisiting Villa Terrace again.

I wish I could give a better review, because I wanted to spend some time here as I heard they have a cool ironwork exhibit. However, it wasn't open when I went. I walked by the museum the night before and thought the sign said it was open from 10am-5pm. I misread it. It doesn't open until 1pm. I feel like the hours are pretty limited for a museum and was disappointed that I was not able to check it out during my short visit to Milwaukee.Despite not being open, I was able to walk around the front, and when I went for a drive through the park along the water afterward, I was able to see the back garden. It is an amazing view from the waterfront! I love the iron gate. I also love the iron gate in the front of the house.Looks like a cool place for a wedding or another event but the parking is limited.

Nice building, wonderful art, and beautiful grounds. Went right after they reopened to the public from being shut down by the pandemic. Had to have a reservation, but i went online and got a reservation for 5 minutes from then and went in. Staff were friendly and wore masks.The first floor is more historic, the upstairs had all contemporary art. It's not huge, but I liked what was on display. In the back it's got a great view of the lake. You can then walk down either a boring wood staircase or a grandiose stone one with a waterfall in the middle. There also is a funicular, but it was not running and the tracks were overgrown.Came here with kids that were a little grumpy, but they turned around once we got in to the courtyard and the grounds. Got some cute pics. They also liked the art on the second floor.Support your local museums! I know I'll come back.