About Us
When called into service, brave men and women have, throughout the history of our great nation, left the comforts of home to preserve the liberty and freedom of the citizens of the United States of America and the world. The Milwaukee County War Memorial Center stands as testament to those whose dedication to country cost them the supreme sacrifice--their lives.
To honor such dedication, the Center was born out of the vision of a group of Milwaukee women in the late years of WW II. Its mission remains "To Honor the Dead by Serving the Living" through arts and diverse cultural activities. Inspired by their vision, fundraising began, the community pooled its resources, and the first building was dedicated in 1957.
The Milwaukee County War Memorial, Inc. is the corporate parent to the War Memorial Center, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Charles Allis Museum and the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. Each organization operates to support the timeless mission and keep alive the pride, valor, and courage displayed by men and women in all branches of the armed forces
Mission Statement
The War Memorial Center is Wisconsin’s most visible memorial to all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, committed to furthering the mission, “To Honor the Dead by Serving the Living”.
The fear of the aging veteran community is that their service will be forgotten. We strive to keep their stories and
legacies alive, ensuring that future generations remember the sacrifices that were made to afford them the freedoms
they enjoy everyday.