Milwaukee Public Museum's 'Food & Froth' Marks End of an Era

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 14:34 GMT by CBS 58 News
      Locale: Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

Last Call for Culture & Craft: Milwaukee Public Museum's 'Food & Froth' Signals End of an Era

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is bidding farewell to its historic home with one final, flavorful event: 'Food & Froth'. Returning after a two-year pause on Saturday, February 10th, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., this beloved tradition marks both a celebration of the museum's rich past and a poignant look towards its ambitious future. For many Milwaukeeans, 'Food & Froth' isn't just a beer and food festival; it's a yearly ritual woven into the fabric of the city's cultural landscape, and this year's iteration carries an added layer of emotional weight.

For years, 'Food & Froth' has expertly blended the worlds of local gastronomy and brewing with the museum's immersive exhibits. Guests have consistently enjoyed the unique experience of sampling Wisconsin's finest craft beverages and culinary creations within the walls of a museum renowned for its anthropological, biological, and historical collections. The juxtaposition - enjoying a locally brewed IPA while standing near a reconstructed Pacific Northwest Coast Native American longhouse, for example - has always been part of the event's charm. This final event promises to continue that tradition, offering a curated selection of 15 local breweries and cideries alongside 10 carefully chosen food vendors.

But this year's 'Food & Froth' is more than just a party. It's a farewell. The MPM is preparing to close the doors of its current building in 2026, a structure that has housed Milwaukee's collective memory and scientific curiosity for generations. The museum is embarking on a significant relocation to a new, state-of-the-art facility at the northwest corner of the Milwaukee Art Museum. The move, while exciting, represents the end of an era for a building steeped in history and nostalgia.

The decision to move was not taken lightly. The current building, while iconic, has long presented challenges in terms of accessibility, space, and the ability to showcase modern exhibits effectively. The new location promises to address these issues, offering a dramatically expanded space, improved accessibility features, and the technological infrastructure necessary to create truly immersive and interactive experiences. Museum officials have consistently emphasized that the move is crucial for ensuring the MPM's relevance and vitality for future generations.

The new museum is designed to be a landmark destination, attracting both local and international visitors. Plans include expanded exhibit space, dedicated areas for community engagement, and enhanced educational programs. The proximity to the Milwaukee Art Museum is also expected to create a vibrant cultural hub, boosting tourism and economic activity in the area.

Tickets for this final 'Food & Froth' event are priced at $35 and available for purchase online at [ mpm.edu/foodandfroth ]. Organizers are urging interested attendees to purchase tickets quickly, as they are limited and expected to sell out. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, eager to raise a glass to the museum's legacy and offer a final toast within its familiar walls. The museum plans to share proceeds from the event to support the transition to the new location.

Beyond the beer and food, 'Food & Froth' will feature live music, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore select exhibits while enjoying their refreshments, creating a unique and memorable museum experience. Many attendees are also anticipating a chance to document the final moments within the old building, sharing photos and memories on social media.

'Food & Froth' encapsulates the spirit of Milwaukee - a city that values both its cultural institutions and its thriving craft beer and food scene. This final event is a testament to the museum's commitment to community engagement and its ability to adapt and evolve while remaining a vital part of the city's identity. While the closure of the current building is undoubtedly bittersweet, the future of the Milwaukee Public Museum looks bright, promising a renewed and enhanced experience for visitors to come.