The S/V Denis Sullivan is the world's only re-creation of a 19th-century three-masted Great Lakes schooner.
The facility features a touch tank where visitors can interact with various aquatic creatures native to the region.
The museum includes a dedicated sound lab where visitors can produce music and manipulate audio signals.
The building was designed by HOK and opened in its current location in 2006.
It houses the Les Paul Exhibit, celebrating the inventor of the solid-body electric guitar and his Milwaukee origins.
Discovery World is a 120,000-square-foot science and technology center located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee. The museum focuses on interactive exhibits involving physics, engineering, music, and Great Lakes ecology. A primary feature is the Reiman Aquarium, which showcases fish species native to Lake Michigan and the Wisconsin waters. The facility houses the S/V Denis Sullivan, a full-scale reproduction of a 19th-century three-masted Great Lakes schooner. Interactive labs allow visitors to engage in hands-on experiments with robotics, animation, and sustainability science. It serves as a regional hub for STEM education programs and summer camps. The building's architectural design features large glass walls providing direct views of the lakefront harbor. Exhibits are designed specifically for tactile learning across multiple age groups.
The outdoor plaza area with the lakefront and the Milwaukee Art Museum's Burke Brise Soleil in the background.
Prioritize the aquarium and touch tanks early in the day when they are least crowded.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival for specific demonstration times in the physics and technology labs.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the facility covers multiple levels.
Do not overlook the outdoor deck areas; many visitors miss the panoramic views of the harbor and the lighthouse from the exterior walkways.
Generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the off-season, though this is subject to change during school holidays.
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended; running or climbing on exhibits is prohibited for safety.
