#1: Villa Museum
#1: Museum to visit within Milwaukee neighborhoods-Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum & Renaissance Garden
No matter if you are new to Milwaukee or you have been living here for awhile, there are “treasures” to see within Milwaukee neighborhoods. One type of “treasure” which I am speaking about are the house museums. The first one I visited is the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum & Renaissance Garden.
If you love architecture, art, history of Milwaukee and their beloved residents or just have a curiosity about what some of the older homes of Wisconsin look like on the inside, these tours are wonderful.
The Villa Museum is at 2220 N. Terrace Ave. in Milwaukee and it is surrounded by residential homes and condos. It was designed by David Adler in 1923. Lloyd and Agnes Smith (Grandson of the founder of A.O. Smith Corp.) were the owners.
To enter the home you must walk through a beautiful Courtyard. Notice the rock path prior to entering the home, there is a story behind those rocks that you will learn later. Among the artwork and beautiful furnishings in the home, you will find a library full of books that touch on art, architecture and gardens. If I read the information correctly, you may actually sign them out to peruse if you are a museum member. (Please click here or call 414-271-3656 for additional information.)
One must also notice the ironwork created by Cyril Colnik and the landscaping work was originally designed by Rose Standish Nichols. One must go into the Renaissance Garden to take in the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, the water stairs, the statues of Neptune, Ceres, Hercules, Mercury, etc. and the North and South Ragnaias.
There is obviously too much to see and read to put it all down in words, I will end by saying everyone should go at least once, if not twice or even three times!
Posted by:
Nancy Neylon
