MILWAUKEE GENERAL ATTRACTIONS

Milwaukee, WI

Brise Soleil

DESCRIPTION: More than a distinctive arm form atop Milwaukee Art Museum, Brise Soleil has become the world icon of Milwaukee; it sits atop Quadracci Pavilion, a postmodern addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2001; the 150,000-square-foot Quadracci Pavilion was originally planned to be just a nice upgrade; then people motivated the artist, Calatrava to create something exceptional for their community and raised more funding to do so; thanks to them, this project responds to the culture of the lake: the sailboats, the weather, the sense of motion and change; the Burke Brise Soleil, form a moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan consisting of 72 steel fins ranging in length up to 105 feet; it takes 3.5 minutes for the wings to open or close; sensors on the fins monitor wind speed and direction; whenever winds exceed 23 mph for more than 3 seconds, the wings close automatically

ADMISSION: Free to view from the exterior, museum visit pricing applies

DAYS & HOURS: The “wings” open Mon–Sun at 10a, close/reopen at Noon, and close at 5 p (8p on Thursdays), weather permitting

ADDRESS: 700 North Art Museum Drive  MAP

PARKING: parking lots nearby

PHONE: 414-224-3200

WEBSITE: http://www.mam.org

The Shops of Grand Avenue
DESCRIPTION: Commonly called "The Grand", its an urban shopping mall that spans three city blocks; although named after the 19th century downtown merchant's street where its located, it opened in 1982 with over 80 specialty stores at a time when urban department stores were closing in many arts of the nation; all the buildings of Grand Avenue connect by skywalk and link to a Residence Inn Hotel; if you visit Milwaukee when its cold, you'll definitely appreicate the Skywalk system

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a–7p, Sat 10a–6p, Sun 11a-5p

ADDRESS: 275 West Wisconsin Avenue  MAP

PARKING: garage attached to the mall

PHONE: 414-224-0655

WEBSITE: http://www.grandavenueshops.com

Historic Third Ward
DESCRIPTION: A converted warehouse district just 3 blocks south of downtown, features many charms of Old Milwaukee due to its strict Architectural review Board process - in other words, developers can only renovate to appropriate archictectural standards in common with the district; visitors wouldn't have it any other way because the result is a charming old district that lures you in to its fabulous Broadway Theater Complex, which houses a replica of an 18th Century Italian Baroque Opera House, the popular Skylight Opera Theater and the Chamber Theater noted for premiering Midwest plays; Off Broadway Theater is home to the only all-women company in the city, Renaissance Theaterworks; the award-winning dance group Ko-Thi Dance Company also performs ceremonial dances and music of the Caribbean and Africa in this live theatre district for Milwaukee; if you're not in a mood for theatre, there's always plenty of bar & grills

DAYS & HOURS: daily

ADDRESS: surrounded by the river, downtown and lakefront  MAP

PARKING: lots are sprinkled throughout the district

WEBSITE: http://ww.historicthirdward.org

Potawatomi Bingo Casino
DESCRIPTION: As the name implies, this popular venue is known for its 100+ table games, 3100 slot machines, bingo, and poker; check out any of five restaurants: Dream Dance Steak, The Buffet, The Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill, RuYi Asian Restaurant or Bar 360; the casino hosts nationally known performing artists in its 500-seat Northern Lights Theater; the casino has a preferred guest program and downtown shuttle with several nearby hotels

BOX OFFICE: open three hours prior to shows and 30 minutes prior to on sale time

DAYS & HOURS: 24/7

ADDRESS: 1721 West Canal Street  MAP

PARKING:  valet parking available; fee self-serve parketing onsite

PHONE: 414-645-6888

WEBSITE: http://ww.paysbig.com

Miller Brewery Tour
DESCRIPTION: offers you an indoor/outdoor guided walking tour of Miller Valley, home to more than 150 years of brewing history; lets you experience Fredrick Miller’s arrival, and old brewing traditions and rich history of MillerCoors, along with the modern age technology of today’s brewing process; tours include a video, views of the packaging center, distribution warehouse, brewhouse and one-of-a-kind Miller caves; if you are age 21+, you can stop at Bavarian-style Miller Inn for refreshing samples of our finest brews; soft drinks are available for guests under 21 or upon request; end the tour with complimentary Miller beer and a visit to the Girl In The Moon Gift Shop

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 10:30a–4:30p, Sun 10:30a-2:30p

ADDRESS: 4251 West State Street  MAP

PARKING: parking lot on premises

PHONE: 414-931-2337

WEBSITE: http://www.millercoors.com/milwaukee-brewery-tour