Milwaukee Art Museum

Santiago Calatrava's Quadracci Pavilion opened in 2001 and gave the museum an object as well known as anything inside it: the Burke Brise Soleil, a movable sunscreen of seventy-two steel fins spanning about sixty-six metres, which opens when the museum opens, folds and reopens at midday, and closes at night - it also closes automatically in high wind, which on this lakefront is often. The collection behind it is substantial: a large Georgia O'Keeffe holding, since she was born in Wisconsin, strong American decorative arts and folk art, German Expressionism, and the Bradley collection of modern work. Eero Saarinen's 1957 War Memorial Center and a David Kahler wing form the rest of the complex.

What you actually see

• The Burke Brise Soleil - seventy-two fins, opening and closing daily.
• A large O'Keeffe collection - she was born in the state.
• German Expressionism and folk art - two strong holdings.
• Saarinen's 1957 War Memorial - part of the same complex.

When to go

Year round; time a visit for a wing movement. Three hours.

Honest expectations

The wings close in high wind, which is common on the lake - the schedule is not guaranteed. The pavilion is a lobby, not a gallery. Special exhibitions cost extra. Lakefront wind in winter is severe.

Nearby

The lakefront path runs both ways; downtown Milwaukee is west.