VISITOR INFORMATION
Historical Center & Research Library
910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53203-1591
Main: 414-273-8288
Research Library: 414-273-7487
Monday, Wednesday through Saturday* – 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Sunday – Closed
*May-December we often close at 2pm for private events on Saturdays. Please call ahead or visit our Google or Bing page for updates on any private event closures.
Starting Monday, February 16th, 2026, the Research Library will temporarily shift open hours. The Research Library will be open for appointments on Wednesdays through Saturdays. Please visit our appointment page or call 414.273.7487.
Daily Visitor: $8.00
Senior (62 and over): $6.00
Military: $6.00
Children (13 – 18) & Full-Time Students: $6.00
Children (12 & under): Free
Members: Free
All exhibit admissions include use of the research library.
Parking
The Milwaukee County Historical Society is partnering with Power Parking to provide discounted visitor parking. For $10 you may park in the 847 N. Plankinton Ave. Lot (at the corner of Plankinton Ave. and Kilbourn Ave.) for up to 5 hours. 20% of the revenue will be donated directly back to MCHS.
For discounted parking, DO NOT scan and pay at the lot. After parking your car, instructions for payment will be available at the front desk in the Historical Center.
If Power Parking is full, there are several convenient alternatives nearby. The Journal South Lot, located at 921 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, is a secured parking lot directly across the street. Metered street parking is also available on W. Kilbourn Avenue and N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Street parking is free after 6pm and on the weekends.
Accessibility
Elevators are available to access the second floor. Handicapped accessible doors are located on the east side of the building. Additionally, a vehicle drop-off /loading zone is accessible on W. Kilbourn Avenue.
MCHS proud to partner with Museums for All. Through this program, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) gain free admission for up to four people per family by simply presenting their photo ID and EBT card at the front desk.
For specific accessibility questions, please contact Olivia Hoff, Community Programs Manager – ohoff@milwaukeehistory.net.
Closings
The Historical Center, Research Library and Historic Sites are closed every year on the following days: MKE St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14, 2026), Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day.
2026 Private Event Closures
(MCHS typically closes at 2:00pm – call with questions)
Saturday, February 7th
Saturday, February 14th
Saturday, March 7th
Friday, April 10th
Saturday, April 18th
Saturday, May 16th
Sunday, May 17th
Saturday, May 23rd
Saturday, May 30th
Saturday, June 6th
Saturday, June 13th
Friday, June 19th
Saturday, June 20th
Saturday, August 1st
Saturday, August 22nd
Friday, August 28th
Saturday, August 29th
Saturday, September 5th
Saturday, September 26th
Saturday, October 10th
Saturday, November 7th
Saturday, November 14th
Saturday, November 21st
