After our visit to SC Johnson in Racine, we arrived in Milwaukee to discover one of the Midwest’s most iconic architectural treasures: the Milwaukee Art Museum — a true work of art in itself, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The building greeted us with its majestic “wings,” a movable structure that mimics the flight of a bird. This is the Quadracci Pavilion, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who also created the famous Puente de la Mujer (Woman’s Bridge) in Buenos Aires. Both structures share a striking visual DNA: elegant lines, cable-stayed structures, nautical inspiration, and a sense of movement. In fact, the museum’s pedestrian bridge — the Reiman Bridge — bears an undeniable resemblance to the Buenos Aires landmark, as if they were architectural siblings on different continents.

Inaugurated in 2001, the museum’s main pavilion opens its Brise Soleil — the set of mechanical “wings” — each morning, turning the building into a living kinetic sculpture. At sunset or in strong winds, the wings close in a poetic and precise choreography.

Inside, the museum boasts a collection of over 34,000 works of art, ranging from Renaissance and classic European pieces to contemporary expressions — including works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet, and many American artists who have helped define the nation’s visual identity.

But beyond its artistic contents, the Milwaukee Art Museum offers a full sensory experience:

• Walking the elevated footbridge connecting downtown to the museum,
• Sitting by Lake Michigan watching the sailboats drift by,
• Enjoying a coffee on the scenic terrace,
• And feeling how art and architecture blend seamlessly with the urban and natural landscape.

This space is not just a cultural icon — it’s a symbol of local pride, a community hub, and a world-renowned design reference.

For those visiting Milwaukee or road-tripping through Wisconsin, this museum is a must. And for those of us coming from Buenos Aires, spotting that visual “sibling” of our Puerto Madero bridge sparked a unique connection — a moment when architecture becomes a universal language.