Betty Brinn Children's Museum to move to new location

The museum plans to announce the new site by the end of 2026.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee is moving from its current lakefront location to a new, larger space. Museum officials say the expanded facility will allow for more outdoor exhibits, rotating galleries, and new early learning and play-based experiences, as well as accommodate growing attendance.

Why it matters

The Betty Brinn Children's Museum is a popular regional destination that serves as a vital part of early childhood education in Milwaukee. The move to a new, larger location will enable the museum to enhance its programming and offerings to better serve the community.

The details

The museum has outgrown its current space and plans to announce the new location by the end of 2026. The new museum will be "entirely reimagined" and feature the "United States' newest, best-in-class children's museum experience." Possible new sites include locations near the Iron District, the former Milwaukee Insurance building, and along the lakefront.

  • The plan to move the museum began in 2025.
  • The museum currently welcomes 170,000 visitors per year at its current location.
  • The new location will be announced by the end of 2026.

The players

Betty Brinn Children's Museum

A children's museum in Milwaukee that is moving to a new, larger location to enhance its programming and offerings.

Tina Quealy

The CEO of the Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Sam Leichtling

The Deputy Commissioner for the Milwaukee Department of City Development.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The new museum is being entirely reimagined to feature the United States' newest, best-in-class children's museum experience. It will be a bold expression of our mission, a vibrant regional destination serving as a vital part of early childhood education.”

— Tina Quealy, CEO of the Betty Brinn Children's Museum (WTMJ.com)

What’s next

The museum plans to announce the new location by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

The move to a new, larger location will enable the Betty Brinn Children's Museum to enhance its programming and offerings, solidifying its role as a vital part of early childhood education in the Milwaukee region.