Grohmann Museum located on the campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering houses an incredible art collection somewhat hidden away from main tourist sites. We have passed by this amazing museum many times on our visits to Milwaukee. Looking for a new adventure this past week. we finally visited. Wow -- we were missing quite a treasure trove of incredible art!
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| Sturgeon Fisherman by Andrew Schumann. |
The museum impresses with an amazing range of 1,700 sculptures, paintings, and other forms of artwork depicting the history of work donated by Milwaukee businessman Dr. Eckhart Grohmann. We were absolutely fascinated by the depth of the collection and the quality of the artwork included. Grohmann Museum easily holds its own up against other more well-known art institutions.
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| The Peasant Lawyer by Peter Brueghel (The Younger) dates to about 1620. |
Learning About The History Of Work Through Art
The history of work depicted reaches far back and includes the 1500s. We learned quite a bit about professions of days long gone by as well as today. We also learned all sorts of interesting tidbits about the art. For example, The Peasant Lawyer by Peter Brueghel (The Younger) dates to about 1620 according to dendrochronology or tree ring dating of the panel on which it is painted.
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| The sculpture garden at Grohmann Museum provides a rooftop oasis showcasing amazing large-scale sculptures. |
A spiral staircase capped with a dome presents a signature feature of Grohmann Museum. We began our journey up top and observed a rooftop sculpture garden. Unfortunately, we could not venture out during this season. However, even from our vantage point the sculpture garden looked impressive.
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| An amazing range of master artworks unfold before visitors to the Grohmann Museum . |
As we spiraled down, we noted the painting on the ceiling above. There also are amazing stained glass windows in the rotunda to note as well as other examples of stained glass in the overall museum collection. Once we reached the first gallery, we immediately realized we found an absolute treasure. Master artworks unfolded before us.
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| L'Atelier de Passementerie by Karl Meunier. |
The museum opens up such an interesting world full of intriguing tidbits from our past. For example, I had no idea that a passementerie is a decorative cord, ribbon, tassel braid, or applique used in garments and furnishings. The painting of a woman spooling by artist Karl Meunier amazed me and I learned something new.
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| Ice Block Transport by Otto Pfeiffer |
Ice Block Transport by Otto Pfeiffer spoke to me because many of the places I have visited are locations where ice blocks were once harvested. Memories of those trips flooded back.
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| A Meeting by the Milwaukee Shops by Larry J. Fisher. |
Of course, major industries important to Milwaukee had special features including brewing and the railroad. The railroad holds a special place for me since my grandfather worked for the Milwaukee Road and lived in Milwaukee periodically throughout his life.
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| The Chemist gives an interesting look into the lab. |
Medicine and science both were profiled including the alchemists of old. I thought it was pretty neat to see these professions portrayed.
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| The Everlasting Bridegroom by Carl Spitzweg. |
Captivating Special Carl Spitzweg Collection
The museum holds a special collection by German painter Carl Spitzweg which features whimsical looks at everyday life in Germany. Spitzweg was a pharmacist. After surviving a bout with typhoid, he became a painter. This collection is a true delight. Each painting seemed to include such intricate detail as well as a charming quality. It is kind of tucked away in its own room, so don't miss it!
The Grohmann Museum is an incredible value -- admission is only $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for those under 12. There is a complimentary parking lot for visitors. The collection is absolutely amazing and very much worth incorporating into your next Milwaukee adventure.
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