Spring is a great time to visit art museums. We might be still waiting for the temperatures to warm up outside, but it’s always warm indoors. These are a few world-class art museums that are right here in Wisconsin celebrating big anniversaries.
EAA Aviation Museum- Oshkosh
Let your imagination take flight at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh. Celebrating 50 years in 2019, the EAA Aviation Museum is one of the most extensive aviation attractions in the world, as well as the home of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
- Situated on 500 acres on the city’s south side, the museum complex houses a stunning collection of more than 200 historic aircraft that chronicle the history of aviation innovation.
- Spend time in one of the museum’s four movie theaters, including the HD Skyscape Theater.
- Witness a piece of history in the Eagle Hangar, the museum’s tribute to World War II military aircraft. Bring the family for “hands on” fun in KidVenture Gallery, an exciting interactive gallery for kids of all ages.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum- Manitowoc
Visit the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and time-travel back to the 19th century when shipbuilding dominated the community.
- The museum is a great place to learn, play and explore the rich maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. With more than 60,000 square feet of display space, the museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums on the Great lakes.
- Explore the rich maritime history of Wisconsin through exciting and interactive exhibits including a unique collection of model ships, an operating steam engine, displays of historic vessels and marine engines, and the Wisconsin Waterways and Little Lakefarer's Rooms – special places for children of all ages to learn and play.
- Tour the World War II submarine USS COBIA (marking its 75th this year) docked next to the museum. Hi-tech exhibits and a multimedia theater will help you learn about the six war patrols of the COBIA, the important role that US Navy submarines played in World War II, and how Manitowoc came to build 28 of these submarines during the war.
Circus World Museum- Baraboo
Celebrate Circus World's 60th anniversary at the birth place of The Ringling Bros. in Baraboo.
- Today, Circus World Museum covers 64 acres with 30 permanent structures, including eight of the original winter quarters buildings.
- Open year-round, the museum presents classic American one-ring circus performances daily throughout the summer featuring aerialists, acrobats, animal acts, jugglers, and clowns.
- The museum's collection of circus artifacts, ephemera, and photographs is perhaps the largest in the world. It includes more than 210 original wagons and vehicles once used by American, English and Irish circuses.