Historic Milwaukee Shop and Doors Open Headquarters

The store has over 200 book titles, houseware, art prints, magnets, notecards and more. Historic Milwaukee is the non-profit that organizes Doors Open Milwaukee and is located in the historic Mackie Building. This 1879 building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. You can also visit the Grain Exchange room in person on Sunday, 9/25 from 10 am – 4 pm. The Grain Exchange Room will be closed on 9/24. 

Historic Milwaukee is located in the Mackie Building. 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.