Milwaukee weekend celebrating Calatrava

Author: Quercy
Date of Trip: September 2002

Today Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers the finest, most exciting museum architecture in the Midwest with it’s new Calatrava designed wing of the Milwaukee Art Museum. This architectural gem is worth the journey. Calatrava’s wing connects the original two buildings. His soaring white architectural “sculpture” becomes the focus of this city’s lakefront.

The weekend focus is the lakefront museum. Calatrava’s architectural genius has virtually transformed a small town museum into an international showplace. Our stay at the Pfister– a ranked, old Milwaukee hotel– was a quick walk to watch the thrilling opening of the museum’s “wings”. The reputation and service at the Pfister has slipped. We would recommend it only now for it’s location to the museum.

We endorse the culinary treat at nearby Sanford’s restaurant. Whether you walk or cab, this is Milwaukee’s finest dining experience. Make reservations. Enjoy creative American fare in a subdued, elegant atmosphere that isn’t stuffy or pretentious. This adventuresome food delights, especially if you order the chef’s surprise degustation menu.

Milwaukee is now a destination the envy of any city in the world, with this design masterpiece by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.