Events, Programs, and Resources

Ofrenda display for Día de los Muertos

October 10 - November 28, 2025

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration, is a day to celebrate and remember those who have departed. Visit our First Floor to view an authentic display of a traditional ofrenda (altar) and learn more about this pre-Hispanic tradition.

Saturday Storytime Series: Native American Heritage

November 1 & 22, 2025

Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) can stop into our Early Learning classroom for hands-on activities and story times that celebrate Indigenous Cultures. Sessions are facilitated by MPM Educators.

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Learn with an Expert: Underwater Archaeology

Thursday, November 20, 2025
10-11 a.m. CST

Did you know the bottom of the Great Lakes can reveal fascinating information about how people lived thousands of years ago? In this FREE virtual discussion with Dr. Ashley Lemke, an archaeologist and Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, learn about her research in Lake Huron and what it can tell us about ancient Indigenous cultures. Ask her questions via the chat! For school groups only. Best suited for grades 6-12.

This program will be live-streamed to YouTube and Zoom.

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Science on Tap Lecture

"Our Lakes, Our Science: Underwater Archaeology in the Great Lakes" by Dr. Ashley Lemke
Thursday, November 20, 2025
7 p.m.

Join Dr. Ashley Lemke on a journey back in time and below the surface of our Great Lakes. Learn about research in Lake Huron and how you can participate in new archaeological research below Lake Michigan.

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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.

Mystery at MPM: Family Edition

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Join us for a family version of our after-hours mystery caper! Solve a series of clues that will take you around all three exhibit floors, searching for objects that you have likely passed by without noticing. Recommended for children age 6 and up.

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Docent Tours

Saturdays
1 p.m.

Explore the hidden wonders of our exhibits with a half-hour docent tour every Saturday. Topics rotate and are announced day-of at the Museum. First come, first served.

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.

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Mystery at MPM: Adult Edition

Friday, September 5, 2025

Test your MPM knowledge at this interactive scavenger hunt game. Solve a series of clues that will take you around all three exhibit floors, searching for objects that you have likely passed by without noticing. The theme this time around is "Whodunit?"

This event is sold out.

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Mystery at MPM: Family Edition

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Join us for a family version of our after-hours mystery caper! Solve a series of clues that will take you around all three exhibit floors, searching for objects that you have likely passed by without noticing. Recommended for children age 6 and up.

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Streets Alive!

Saturday, April 26, 2025
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Streets of Old Milwaukee will bring history to life as docents interpret this beloved exhibit in period attire! Visitors can chat with a maid from the Pfister Hotel, a pharmacist, a toy store owner, and others from the early 1900s who will inhabit the exhibit, answering questions, telling stories, and providing insights about life here more than a century ago.

Kohl's Thank You Thursdays

First Thursday of every month

All visitors enjoy free admission to MPM thanks to generous support from Kohl's.

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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.

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Docent Tours

Explore the hidden wonders of our exhibits and galleries with free half-hour docent tours every Saturday at 1 p.m.

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.

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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.

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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.

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