Designed by prominent Milwaukee architect Alexander Eschweiler for Charles Allis, the first president of Allis Chalmers, and his wife Sarah in 1911, this unique Tudor-style mansion and art collection was built with the sole purpose of bequeathing it to the public to delight, educate and inspire.  The permanent collection features 19th Century French and American Paintings, Chinese and Japanese porcelains, Renaissance bronzes, Japanese netsuke, and original antique furnishings.  

The Charles Allis Art Museum is one of the few such ensembles preserved intact in its original form and some items in the collection are the only known examples of their kind in existence. To complement this collection, the Museum holds several changing exhibitions each year featuring the work by Wisconsin artists.

In 1998, the community enhanced the Allis gift by contributing $1.4 million for the construction of the Margaret Rahill Great Hall. Designed by Uihlein/Wilson Architects, the Great Hall triples the space available for Museum programming, community use and private rentals.

The Charles Allis Art Museum is a rich cultural institution that serves the entire Milwaukee community. Museum exhibitions and programs celebrate Milwaukee’s diversity and Wisconsin art and artists.  With strong private and public support, and ongoing help from the Friends of Charles Allis organization, the Museum continues to grow and flourish.