Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum
4.6(545)
Art museum
About
Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum is a historic Italian-style villa perched on Milwaukee's lakefront, offering sweeping views of Lake Michigan. The villa features intricate ironwork, beamed ceilings, and seasonal art exhibitions that highlight fine and decorative arts from the 15th to 18th centuries.
The venue’s elegant indoor spaces and manicured Renaissance garden provide a distinctive setting for business events, with easy parking and a serene lakeside atmosphere. Its combination of architectural detail and scenic views makes it a memorable choice for client dinners, meetings, and receptions.
Best for
- Client dinners with lakefront views
- Art-inspired executive offsites
- Intimate networking receptions in historic setting
Standout features
Architecture
Northern Italian Renaissance Villa Design
Designed by Milwaukee native David Adler in the style of a 16th-century Northern Italian villa, with Tuscan columns and vaulted loggias that create an authentic historic atmosphere overlooking Lake Michigan.
Gardens and Grounds
Renaissance Garden with Lake Michigan Views
The villa features well-manicured gardens designed in collaboration with landscape architect Rose Standish Nichols, including a water stairway inspired by historic Italian pleasure gardens, all set on a scenic lakefront site.
Decorative Arts Collection
Fine and Decorative Arts from 15th to 18th Century
The museum hosts a curated collection of fine and decorative arts spanning several centuries, including masterful ironwork pieces like the Cyril Colnik grille and dynamic sculptures such as the Dancing Dragon.
At a glance
Location & hours
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Hours
Sunday11am – 4pm
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday11am – 4pm
Friday11am – 4pm
Saturday11am – 4pm
Rated 4.6 on Google · 545 reviews