All person & artist museums to visit in Wisconsin

Explore the lives and works of notable individuals at 23 museums in Wisconsin dedicated to specific persons and artists. These museums offer a deep dive into their contributions and legacy.

Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Wisconsin:

  1. Circus World Museum1

    Circus World Museum

     Baraboo, WI
    The Circus World Museum, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the circus. The museum complex offers a deep dive into the world of circus, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of its evolution, cultural significance, and the people who made it all possible.
  2. Charles Allis Art Museum2

    Charles Allis Art Museum

     Milwaukee, WI
    The Charles Allis Art Museum, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a recognized historic site. It is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name Charles Allis House. This museum was once the home of Charles Allis and his wife, Sarah, who were prominent figures in the Milwaukee community. The museum's history and its status as a registered historic place make it a significant location for visitors interested in both art and history.
  3. Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion3

    Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion

     Milwaukee, WI
    The Pabst Mansion, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a grand house built in the Flemish Renaissance Revival style in 1892. It was constructed for Captain Frederick Pabst, the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to the city's rich history and the legacy of one of its most influential figures.
  4. Harley-Davidson Museum4

    Harley-Davidson Museum

     Milwaukee, WI
    The Harley-Davidson Museum, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a tribute to the rich history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that spans over a century. The museum showcases the evolution of this iconic American brand and its impact on the motorcycling world. It is a destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a deep dive into the heritage of Harley-Davidson.
  5. The History Museum At the Castle5

    The History Museum At the Castle

     Appleton, WI
    The History Museum at the Castle is situated in the heart of downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, just across College Avenue from Lawrence University. This local history museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of the region, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
  6. The Bernard and Fern Schwartz House Still Bend6

    The Bernard and Fern Schwartz House Still Bend

     Two Rivers, WI
    The Bernard Schwartz House, also known as Still Bend, is a unique architectural marvel. Built in 1939 by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this modern-style villa is located in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, USA. The house is a perfect example of the Usonian, organic, and Prairie School styles that Wright was famous for. Its design and construction reflect Wright's philosophy of creating structures that were in harmony with humanity and its environment.
  7. America's Black Holocaust Museum7

    America's Black Holocaust Museum

     Milwaukee, WI
    America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) is a significant institution dedicated to the history of the Black Holocaust in America. Founded in 1988 by James Cameron, a survivor of a lynching, the museum faced temporary closure in 2008 due to reduced funding during the Great Recession. However, a foundation was established in 2012 to continue Cameron's legacy, and the museum was re-opened as a virtual museum. In 2016, plans were announced to move the physical museum to Milwaukee's historic Bronzeville neighborhood. The re-opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the museum finally re-opened in February 2022 after receiving an anonymous $10M donation.
  8. Hamlin Garland House8

    Hamlin Garland House

     West Salem, WI
    The Hamlin Garland House, located at 356 West Garland Street in West Salem, Wisconsin, USA, is a historic site that served as the main residence of the renowned writer Hamlin Garland from 1893 to the 1910s. Garland, who lived from 1860 to 1940, was a prominent figure in regional fiction.
  9. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame9

    Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

     Hayward, WI
    The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, located in Hayward, Wisconsin, is a dedicated institution that promotes freshwater fishing. This American hall of fame is a significant destination for those interested in the sport and history of freshwater fishing.
  10. National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum10

    National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum

     Milwaukee, WI
    The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a unique institution dedicated to the collection and display of bobblehead dolls. This museum is the only one of its kind in the world, making it a unique destination for tourists interested in this particular form of collectible.
  11. Jeremiah Curtin House11

    Jeremiah Curtin House

     Greendale, WI
    The Jeremiah Curtin House, built in 1846, is a significant historical site as it was the boyhood home of the renowned American linguist and folklorist, Jeremiah Curtin. This stone building is a testament to the life and times of Curtin, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  12. Nathaniel and Harriet Dean House12

    Nathaniel and Harriet Dean House

     Madison, WI
    In 1980, the Nathaniel W. Dean House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition highlights the historical significance of the house and its contribution to the heritage of Madison, Wisconsin.
  13. Upham Mansion13

    Upham Mansion

     Marshfield, WI
    The Upham Mansion, also known as the Gov. William H. Upham House, is a historic site located at 212 West Third Street in Marshfield, Wisconsin. This former family home of Wisconsin governor William H. Upham now serves as a museum and is part of the NRHP registered Upham House Historic District.
  14. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Gift Store14

    Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Gift Store

     Pepin, WI
    The Little House Wayside, located in Pepin County, Wisconsin, is a 3-acre rest area that offers a glimpse into the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It is situated approximately seven miles northwest of Pepin, Wisconsin, and one mile southeast of Lund on County Highway CC. This location is significant as it is the birthplace of the renowned author.
  15. H. H. Bennett Studio15

    H. H. Bennett Studio

     Wisconsin Dells, WI
    The H. H. Bennett Studio, located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is a historic photographic studio and museum. This site, which was built in 1875 by renowned landscape photographer H. H. Bennett, offers a unique insight into the history of photography and the life and work of Bennett. Today, it is managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  16. International Clown Hall of Fame16

    International Clown Hall of Fame

     Baraboo, WI
    The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center (ICHOF) is situated in Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique experience for those interested in the art and history of clowning.
  17. Lincoln-Tallman House17

    Lincoln-Tallman House

     Janesville, WI
    The Lincoln–Tallman House, located in Janesville, Wisconsin, is a historic Italianate-style house. It was constructed in 1857 by the Tallman family, who were prominent figures in the area. The house stands as a testament to the architectural style and craftsmanship of the time, making it a significant site for those interested in history and architecture.
  18. Hoard Historical Museum18

    Hoard Historical Museum

     Fort Atkinson, WI
    The National Dairy Shrine's museum is situated in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. It shares a visitor center with the Hoard Historical Museum, which was once the house of William D. Hoard. This unique setup allows visitors to explore both the history of the dairy industry and the local history of Fort Atkinson in one location.
  19. Wisconsin Concrete Park19

    Wisconsin Concrete Park

     Phillips, WI
    The Wisconsin Concrete Park is a unique sculpture park situated along Wisconsin Highway 13 in the town of Phillips, Wisconsin. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique experience for visitors who are interested in folk art and sculpture. The park is home to over 200 sculptures, all made from concrete and decorated with glass bottles and other found objects.
  20. Ten Chimneys Foundation20

    Ten Chimneys Foundation

     Genesee, WI
    Ten Chimneys, located in Genesee Depot in the Town of Genesee in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, was the summer home and gentleman's farm of Broadway actors Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. It served as a social center for American theater, attracting many luminaries of the stage and screen. The property was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2003, recognizing its significance to the history of performing arts and its distinctive architecture and decoration.
  21. 21

    Cedarburg Cultural Center

     Cedarburg, WI
    The Cedarburg Cultural Center is situated in the historic heart of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. This location not only provides a rich cultural experience but also allows visitors to explore the charming downtown area of Cedarburg. The center's location is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of history and culture.
  22. 22

    Museum of Wisconsin Art

     West Bend, WI
    The Museum of Wisconsin Art is a unique institution that focuses on collecting and showcasing both contemporary and historical art from the state of Wisconsin. This includes a wide range of works, from modern pieces by current artists to historical works that provide a glimpse into the state's artistic past. The museum's collection is constantly evolving, with new pieces being added regularly.
  23. 23

    The Alexander House Museum

     Port Edwards, WI
    The Alexander House, located in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, serves as both an art gallery and a local history museum. This unique establishment offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of exhibits, ranging from local history to the lumbering and papermaking industries that have shaped the region.