The Streets of Old Milwaukee is a permanent walk-through diorama at the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) that transports visitors to the city's turn-of-the-20th-century era. First opened in January 1965, it remains the museum's most-visited exhibit, featuring roughly 30 near-life-sized shops, gaslit lights, and cobblestone streets. 

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Key Exhibit Features

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• Immersive Atmosphere: The exhibit is dimly lit to mimic an evening stroll and uses authentic materials like granite blocks, red bricks, and cedar blocks for the streets.
   

• Life-Sized Entrance: Visitors enter through a life-sized streetcar (trolley) that uses rumble sounds and video to simulate a journey back in time.
   

• Iconic Residents: The most famous figure is "Granny," a mannequin that has been rocking on her front porch since the exhibit's opening.
   

• Historic Businesses: The exhibit features recreations of actual Milwaukee establishments, including the Haymarket Candy Shop, a Nickelodeon theater showing silent films, and a drugstore.
   

• Authenticity: Many artifacts were donated by the community, and materials were salvaged from demolished homes and businesses during Milwaukee's 1960s urban renewal period. 

 

Seasonal Transformations

 

The exhibit undergoes seasonal updates to keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors: 

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• Winter Wonderland: During the holidays, the streets are decorated for the winter season, and Granny moves indoors to decorate her home.
   

• Fall and Halloween: Recent updates have included fall and Halloween decorations for the first time. 

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