Doors Open Milwaukee 2024: A guide to new sites and other essential info

The west side’s spiffy Davidson Park and downtown’s expanded, modernized Baird Center are two of the new attractions for Doors Open Milwaukee Sept. 28-29.

The annual event gives architecture lovers chances to explore more than 140 locations around the city, including some that rarely welcome behind-the-scenes visitors or tours. Doors Open is organized and presented by nonprofit organization Historic Milwaukee.

Here’s a look at details you might want to know before planning a 2024 Doors Open excursion.

When is Doors Open Milwaukee 2024?

Basic hours for Doors Open Milwaukee are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 28) and Sunday (Sept. 29). But there are many variations. Each site sets its own hours. For example, Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge, 1570 S. 9th St., is only open for Doors Open visitors from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Check details for each site at historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open/buildings.

Is Doors Open in Milwaukee free?

Most events are free, But there are some ticketed tours. Check the Doors Open site at historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open for info on free spots, tour tickets and requirements.

What are some new sites for Doors Open 2024?

New sites for Doors Open 2024 include:

• Davidson Park, 3725 W. Juneau Ave., a 4.8-acre public park at Harley-Davidson’s corporate headquarters that just opened in June. Its features include a nifty sunken amphitheater with tiered seating.
• Baird Center North Building, 405 W. Kilbourn Ave. Self-guided tours of the newly expanded and updated convention and exhibition center, which opened in May. (This site will be open only on Saturday, Sept. 28.)
• Bronzeville Center for the Arts, 507 W. North Ave. A new hub for African American arts. (This site will be open only on Saturday, Sept. 28.)
• WUWM Milwaukee in the Chase Building, 111 E. Wisconsin Ave. Home of the National Public Radio station 89.7 FM.

What are a few other cool buildings to visit during Doors Open 2024?

Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra converted this Art Deco movie palace into its performing home.

Carma Laboratories, 9750 S. Franklin Drive, Franklin. Yes, you can visit the Carmex lip balm warehouse, which is also home to what organizers call “the world’s largest theater pipe organ.” Music will be playing. This event is Saturday, Sept. 28 only.

Browse a complete list of Doors Open participating buildings and sites at historicmilwaukee.org.

What tours are available during Doors Open Milwaukee 2024?

Find a complete list of paid-ticket tours and free municipal tours at historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open/tours. Public ticket sales for ticketed tours begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 11. These tours can and do sell out, so act quickly. A few of this year’s venues: City Hall Bell Tower (free), Jones Island (free), Beyond the Bars: Water Street ($10 for adults), Forest Home Bike Tour ($10 for adults), Milwaukee Terra Cotta Tour ($10 for adults).

What mobile app tours are available?

By downloading the Historic Milwaukee app from Apple or Google Play, visitors can explore Milwaukee neighborhoods on their own. New neighborhood tours include Lindsay Heights and Historic King Drive (available to download Sept. 28). They join more than a dozen extant mobile app tours, including Avenues West, Indigenous Milwaukee, Metcalfe Park and North Point Mansions South. For Doors Open mobile app info, visit historicmilwaukee.org.

How do I find out more about Doors Open Milwaukee 2024?

Visit historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open.