Grain Exchange Room at the Mackie Building

The Grain Exchange, located in downtown Milwaukee, features soaring ceilings, beautiful granite, limestone, and sandstone, and is described, architecturally, as simple Italian. The room radiates the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era, and our expertise in food and hospitality present a partnership that will create a memorable event for even the most discriminating critic.

The Grain Exchange elicits all these responses and more, with its unparalleled beauty and historic décor. A three-story, nearly 10,000 sq. ft. room, located in downtown Milwaukee’s Mackie Building, showcases soaring ceilings, frescos, handsome granite, limestone, and sandstone. There is a 175-foot bell tower in the center of the room, yet the focus of this outstanding facility is ultimately the shining performance of Bartolotta Catering and Events.

The Mackie Building is the sister structure to the neighboring Mitchell Building, also built by Alexander Mitchell and designed by Edward Townsend Mix, and was constructed in 1879. This space was originally built to house the Chamber of Commerce and Milwaukee’s grain exchange. People came from all over the world to trade and export wheat in this center, where the very first Trading Pit was used to measure wheat prices. In the Grain Exchange Room are elaborate murals and frescos depicting Wisconsin’s agriculture, industry, and commerce. Because of its fascinating history and ornate décor, this room has attracted antique shows, chamber orchestras, and even some notable figures. Some of these famous visitors include the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, President William Taft, and President Theodore Roosevelt.