Four images: ornate painted interior detail, people on a metal staircase, modern installation with colorful vertical bars, and the exterior of an old brick brewery building.
Promotional graphic for Doors Open Milwaukee with a large key illustration, website URL, and logos for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a QR code at the bottom.

Doors Open Milwaukee

September 26 & 27, 2026

Doors Open Milwaukee is an annual celebration of Milwaukee's architecture, history and neighborhoods. The event opens 160+ locations throughout the metro area to tour for free. Stay tuned for the full list of sites which will be available the first week of September. 

Volunteer for Doors Open Milwaukee 

Join hundreds of volunteers who help welcome thousands of visitors as they explore the city’s most unique spaces. Volunteer for a shift, meet fellow Milwaukee enthusiasts, and play an important role in making this free community event a success.

Volunteer

Keep Doors Open Free

Make an online donation to support Historic Milwaukee, Inc. the private non-profit that organizes Doors Open Milwaukee.
Make a Donation

General FAQs

When is Doors Open Milwaukee?

What is Doors Open Milwaukee?

Is Doors Open Milwaukee free?

How many locations will participate?

When will the list of participating locations be announced?

Ticketed Tours FAQs

Are there ticketed tours?

How much do ticketed tours cost?

When do tickets go on sale?

Will municipal tours be free?

Land Acknowledgement

We hope our program will not only raise awareness and appreciation of Milwaukee’s architecture and built environment, but also help protect the diversity of income, culture, race, and ethnicity that make neighborhoods livable for everyone. Read our full Land Acknowledgement.

Photo and Video Release Info

Historic Milwaukee staff, volunteers and contract employees may document the event for future promotional materials, fundraising or advertising of Historic Milwaukee, Inc. By attending Doors Open Milwaukee on September 26 and 27, 2026, participants grant full permission to Historic Milwaukee, Inc. to use photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, or any other record of this event, for any legitimate purpose without any monetary payment.