Building Description
The Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library opened in 1898 as a shared space with the Milwaukee Public Museum. The architectural firm of Ferry and Clas won the design competition and built a Neo-Renaissance style U-shaped building. The exterior of the building is Bedford limestone. Much of the intricate outside carving was done by craftsmen standing on scaffolding. Interior materials include mahogany and oak hardwoods, brass, Sienna marble, plaster, stucco, tesserae tile and scagliola. The most recent addition to the building was completed in 1957 and added two stories above and four levels below ground. The most recent added feature to the building’s exterior is a green roof with solar panels.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to the Central Library may take a variety of tours of areas normally unavailable to the public. The Old Board Room and Chinese Room, a former exhibit space of the Milwaukee Public Museum, will be open both days. On Saturday, Green Roof tours will be available, and morning tours will be available for the Richard E. and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room. On Sunday, tours of the Rotunda Dome will be available.
Address
814 W Wisconsin Ave
Saturday Hours
10 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday Hours
1 pm - 5 pm
Photography
Photography allowed, Videography allowed, Tripod allowed
Handicapped Accessible
Fully wheelchair accessible
