Museum general admission tickets can be purchased in person or online.
Review our hours of operation before your next visit.
Throughout 2026—the Museum's last year open in the current building—we're honoring our iconic exhibits with five different month-long celebrations!Upcoming Events
The Finale: Creepy-Crawly Day
Saturday, June 6, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this closeout celebration of the Rainforest & Butterflies Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by interactive stations as we explore the wonderful world of bugs and share why we should all be thankful for—rather than creeped out by—insects and other invertebrates around us!
BioBlitz at Wehr Nature Center in Franklin, WI
Saturday, June 13, 2026
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate Wisconsin's biodiversity by joining MPM and Wehr Nature Center staff, community partners, and local scientists for a day full of family-friendly nature-themed activities during the Museum's 11th annual BioBlitz. This event is FREE for all.
Juneteenth at MPM
Friday, June 19, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth during your visit! MPM educators will be on the exhibit floors exploring the holiday's connections to some of the Museum's exhibits.
Father's Day
June 21, 2026
Fathers and father figures enjoy FREE admission to MPM in celebration of Father's Day. Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling 414-278-2728 or purchased day-of at the Museum at the ticket window on the Concourse.
The Intro: Dino Days of Summer
Saturday, July 11, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this kickoff celebration of the Dino Days of Summer, visitors can stop by several interactive stations to learn more about the prehistoric past and some of the Museum's iconic dino displays.
Dino Dash 5K Race
July 11-August 6, 2026
We're bringing the Dino Dash 5K back from its 2002 extinction! This time, the annual run that used to be held through the streets of downtown Milwaukee has been reimagined as a virtual race. Participants can register to receive an exclusive Dino Dash T-shirt and medal, then complete the 5K on their own route and schedule. Visitors can also log some distance at a quarter-mile walking course through MPM's exhibits!
Registration opens at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 1
Dino Days of Summer Education Stations
Weekdays, July 13-August 6, 2026
(MPM closed Tuesdays)
During the week, Museum experts will be at hands-on learning stations that explore dinosaurs, fossils, and prehistoric life. Programming based on daily availability; times may vary.
Science on Tap
Thursday, July 16, 2026
6-8:30 p.m.
Grab a drink and learn about what Florida's ancient seashells reveal about species extinction and survival during this special lecture presented by Dr. Jonathan R. Hendricks, Robert & Sally Manegold Associate Research Curator of Paleontology at Milwaukee Public Museum.
Social hour 6-7 p.m., lecture 7-8:30 p.m.
Tickets available 10 a.m. on Monday, June 1
Dino Family Trivia Night
Thursday, July 30, 2026
6:30-8 p.m.
Are you a di-know-it-all? Test your di-knowledge at Dino Family Trivia Night! Compete for the ultimate bragging rights as the MPM Dino Trivia Champ. Recommended for dino experts ages 6 and up.
Tickets available 10 a.m. on Monday, June 1
The Finale: Dino Days of Summer
Thursday, August 6, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this closeout celebration of the Dino Days of Summer, visitors can stop by several interactive stations to learn more about the prehistoric past and some of the Museum's iconic dino displays.
Admission to the Museum is FREE for Kohl's Thank You Thursday!
Final Year to Shop Official MPM Merchandise
Commemorate your favorite exhibits before we close in 2027 with our limited-edition Greatest Hits apparel, accessories and collectibles! New items are released every other month throughout 2026. Collect them all! Shop at the Museum or online. Members receive 10% off their purchase.
Member Mornings
Saturdays and Sundays
9-10 a.m.
Every weekend, MPM members enjoy early access to the entire Museum before it opens to the general public.
Kohl's Thank You Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
All visitors (excluding groups) receive FREE admission to MPM's exhibits on the first Thursday of every month thanks to generous support from Kohl's Cares.
Planetarium
Now Showing at the Daniel M. Soref Theater and Planetarium
Check out the Planetarium programs and giant films playing daily.
January 23, 2026 to June 12, 2026
| 10:30 a.m. | Wisconsin Stargazing |
| 11:10 a.m. | Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa |
| 12:10 p.m. | A to Z Astronomy! |
| 12:50 p.m. | Ocean Odyssey |
| 1:50 p.m. | Wisconsin Stargazing |
| 2:30 p.m. | Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa |
| 3:30 p.m. | A to Z Astronomy! |
| 4:10 p.m. | Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon* |
* Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon will also play on the last Friday night of the month at 6 & 7 p.m.
(Dates are January 30, February 27, March 27, April 24, & May 29)
Ongoing Programs and Initiatives
Science on Tap
Grab a brew (or root-brew!) and meet us at the Museum or online to listen to a lecture from some of the best minds in natural and cultural sciences. Lectures are scheduled every couple of months.
Summer Connections
MPM's annual summer initiative provides free, educational programming and access to the Museum for K-8 students throughout Milwaukee in coordination with community partners.
MPM on the Move
Book a Museum educator to travel to your location to deliver hands-on programming about a variety of natural history topics. Audiences can include community groups/organizations, day programs, residential facilities, and schools.
Want to meet virtually instead? A Museum educator will host live, interactive programming using video meeting software.
Wisconsin Statewide Community Science Project
This community-based initiative seeks to make science accessible to a broader audience throughout Wisconsin, even nationally, so the public can feel trust towards science by participating directly in it. The data is then used for future research.
MPM Book Club
A volunteer-led monthly program that invites interested adults to join lively monthly discussions about nonfiction books of a scientific nature that relate to Museum exhibits, research, or programs.
360 Virtual Exhibit Tours
Experts at MPM
Native American Heritage
Black History Month
Hispanic Heritage Month
AANHPI Heritage Month
LGBTQ+ History Month