‘A multisensory experience’: Milwaukee Public Museum reveals Streets of Old Milwaukee successor

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A much-anticipated reveal was held by the Milwaukee Public Museum ahead of the opening of its new home in 2026. The museum provided sketches of the third of five permanent galleries. One of its most famous exhibits is being reimagined. 

The beloved Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit has lived at the Milwaukee Public Museum for more than 60 years. Come 2026, part of the exhibit will make its way to 6th and McKinley for the new home of the museum.

On a virtual call Friday morning, April 13, members with the Milwaukee Public Museum -- along with a third-party design team -- unveiled a new gallery coming soon to Milwaukee. The exhibit, "Milwaukee Revealed," will replace the Streets of Old Milwaukee. 

"We're not just talking about our founding fathers, we are talking about our founding mothers, we're talking about indigenous people, and immigrant experiences," said Helen Divjak, senior curator at Thinc Design. 

The gallery will be an immersive experience showcasing landmarks like the Mitchell building and Haymarket Candy Store. 

"A multisensory experience that brings you to the streets of Milwaukee, that allows you to see it in a way that you never have before, it's not just about taking you back in time, it's about peeling back the layers," said Divjak. 

Museum leaders say they did consider public input. They heard concerns about where items from the Streets of Old Milwaukee would go. They say those items will be placed in offsite storage with some items included into the new gallery. 

"We are not selling, destroying, or giving away any of the collection items," said Dr. Ellen Censky, president and CEO of Milwaukee Public Museum. 

However, with change, some people are hesitant. 

"I'd be really sad to see it go, if it has to go, which I'm not sure it has to go," said Lillian Cheeseman.

Lillian Cheeseman has been coming to the museum since she was 8 years old. She's worried the museum may lose its nostalgia. 

"If they go too far, I've seen some museums where it's all just digital, like it's a bunch of iPads on the wall. I can do that at home," said Cheeseman. 

Designers for the gallery insist the space will continue to educate Milwaukeeans for generates to come. 

In addition to the five permanent galleries, there will be a live butterfly exhibit and a planetarium. 

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