The world-famous “Milwaukee-style” dioramas inspired these fresh, engaging programs and interactive events that put a fun twist on some of our oldest displays. mpm.edu

THE INTRO: DIORAMA-RAMA

Saturday, March 14, 2026
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

During this kickoff celebration of MPM’s Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as we go behind the scenes on just a few of the many elements that bring our dioramas to life.

Diorama Deep Dive

MPM is made of world-class and first-of-their-kind dioramas. Look for MPM Educators and docents, plus extra signage, throughout the Museum sharing the history and behind-the-scenes knowledge of these displays.

Located throughout floors

Muskrat Mayhem

Why do our muskrats stand above the rest? Stop by to learn just what makes this beloved exhibit so extraordinary, and how it forever changed what museums look like.

Located behind Sense of Wonder on the First Floor

Furs and Footprints

Have you ever seen an animal on exhibit that looked so real, you just wanted to reach out and touch it? We can’t let you behind the glass, but we will have tactile furs from some of our most charismatic displays and talk about some of the secrets behind the taxidermy that make the exhibits so lifelike.

Located in Wisconsin Woodlands on the Second Floor

Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners

Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating our Milwaukee-style dioramas.

MPM EXPOSED: EXHIBIT EASTER EGGS

March 14 and 26, April 9 and 16
5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a guided one-hour tour that tells exclusive stories about who designed our dioramas, how they were made, and what “Easter eggs” are hidden within. This tour is for adults, 18+.

Cost and Reservations

$10/person

Purchase Tickets

MYSTERY AT MPM

Friday, March 20, 2026
7-10 p.m.

Explore the mysterious side of MPM as you put your sleuthing skills to the test. The theme this time is Diorama-RAMA. Participants will follow a series of clues hidden within MPM’s famous Milwaukee-style dioramas and enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with one (or more) of MPM’s rarely seen objects.

This event is sold out.

DIORAMA-RAMA CONTEST

Tuesday, March 31
6-8:30 p.m.

MPM is partnering to host the 10-year anniversary of the 1st National Diorama Month Diorama-Rama! The theme for 2026 is “NDM/MPM: Dioramas Revisited, Reinvented, Reimagined.” Local artists will be putting their own spin on MPM’s famous Milwaukee-style dioramas. Visitors can vote for their favorite dioramas; the winner will be announced at the end of the evening. A cash bar will also be available.

Cost and Reservations

$10 adults, $5 children 13 and under, with half of every ticket sale going to this year’s non-profit partner, the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts

Purchase Tickets

Can’t make the event? Don’t worry, dioramas will be on display through April 5 and viewing will be FREE with Museum admission!

Interested in showing your own “Milwaukee style” creation? Email dkirschling@nationaldioramamonth.com to sign up!

SPRING BREAK DIORAMA WORKSHOP AND SHOWCASE

March 30-April 3, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)
10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. 

Make MPM part of your spring break plans and stop by our diorama workspace to design your own MPM-inspired pieces to add to our communal diorama. We’ll also teach you a little about the secrets of Museum artistry, using examples from our own exhibits.

From April 1 to 3, visitors will also have the chance to view the impressive mini-dioramas created by local artists and hobbyists as part of the 10th Annual Milwaukee Diorama-RAMA Contest.

Located in the Steigleder Special Exhibits Gallery

THE FINALE: DIORAMA-RAMA

Saturday, April 11, 2026
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

During this closeout celebration of MPM’s Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as we go behind the scenes on just a few of the many elements that bring our dioramas to life:

Swimming in the Silurian

Milwaukee has long been one of the best places to study the Silurian Period, and fossils from Southeast Wisconsin are featured in museums Nationwide! Learn what makes local formations so important, how MPM has long led the way in showing them to the public, and get a sneak peek at how we’ll continue that story in the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin.

Located in The Third Planet on the First Floor

Timba and Simba Spotlight

Immersive dioramas are made of many pieces, including taxidermy. Learn about the stories behind two of MPMs most beloved residents: Timba the Elephant and Simba the Lion.

Located in Africa on the Third Floor

Diorama Deep Dive

MPM is made of world-class and first-of-their-kind dioramas. Look for MPM Educators and docents, plus extra signage, throughout the Museum sharing the history and behind-the-scenes knowledge of these displays.

Located throughout floors

Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners

Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating our Milwaukee-style dioramas

Located in the First Floor Butterfly Wing play area

MYSTERY AT MPM: FAMILY EDITION

Saturday, April 11, and May 2, 2026
6-8:30pm

Explore the mysterious side of MPM as you put your sleuthing skills to the test. The theme this time is Diorama-RAMA. Participants will follow a series of family-friendly clues hidden within MPM’s famous Milwaukee-style dioramas and enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with one (or more) of MPM’s rarely seen objects.

Sustainer+ member presale February 18-24; public sale starts February 25

Purchase Tickets

Education Stations

Weekdays, March 14-April 17, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)

During the week, Museum Educators will be at one or more of the following hands-on learning stations. Programming based on daily availability, times may vary.

GROUNDBREAKING ARTISTS

Ever wonder what makes a diorama so immersive? Go behind the scenes to learn some of the tips, tricks, and careful consideration that goes into making a museum memorable.

REEFS OF OLD MILWAUKEE

How do we know (and how do we show) what Milwaukee looked like 425 million years ago? Dive back in time with MPM Educators as we explore the Silurian Period, and the fossil evidence museum artists used to create our lifelike look at our ancient past.

DIORAMA DEEP DIVE

MPM is made of world-class and first-of-their-kind dioramas. Look for MPM Educators and docents, plus extra signage, throughout the Museum sharing the history and behind-the-scenes knowledge of these displays.

FUR AND FOOTPRINTS

Have you ever seen an animal on exhibit that looked so real, you just wanted to reach out and touch it? We can’t let you behind the glass, but we will have tactile furs from some of our most charismatic displays and talk about some of the secrets behind the taxidermy that make the exhibits so lifelike.