Museums and galleries in Madison

8 museums and galleries in Madison, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Chazen Museum of Art
A classic art exhibit inside the University of Wisconsin's art school, containing several different sections ranging from ancient sculptures to modern-day photography. The exhibits are changed regularly, and the museum is quiet and uncrowded.
Free
See
L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum
Hands-on physics museum with exhibits demonstrating basic physical concepts, from mechanics to atomics, some historical instruments on display. Closest parking lot is Lot 20.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM, closed on public and school holidaysFree
See
Madison Children's Museum
A children's museum next to the State Capitol. The whimsical and mind-bending interactive exhibits will delight both adults and children alike.
$12
See
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
A unique three-story collection of works created by artists based in Madison and beyond, containing many interactive exhibits and free tours which you can listen to on your cell phone. The fourth floor houses an upscale restaurant and bar, and offers a magnificent view of State Street.
Free
Do
Overture Center
This venue is home to Madison's most prominent performing arts organizations, including the Madison Ballet, Opera, Symphony, Repertory Theater, and Children's Theater. The facilities also include the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and galleries housing work by local visual artists. The building is gorgeous — the rooftop garden is particularly impressive — and well worth a stop as you meander down State street. Private tours are available.
See
UW-Madison Geology Museum
A geology and paleontology museum exhibiting ancient past through rocks, fossils, and meteorites.
Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM, Sat 9AM-1PMFree
See
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Chronicles the sacrifices made by Wisconsin Veterans from the American Civil War to the present day. The 20th Century gallery of the museum includes full-size replicas of a World War I Sopwith Camel biplane and a P-51 Mustang, as well as an authentic Huey Helicopter.
Do Not mapped
Art Fair On The Square
Held second weekend of July. Features works for sale by more than 400 exhibiting artists. Mixed media, ceramics, drawings, graphics, prints, fiber, leather, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, paintings, photographs, sculpture, 3D mixed media, and wood. Artists from all over the United States apply to exhibit and sell their works. Organized by Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Madison (CC BY-SA 4.0).