The house was built as a private residence for Lloyd R. Smith, the president of the A.O. Smith Corporation.
The Renaissance Garden is based on the principles of Italian villa gardens from the 16th century, featuring a central axis and water features.
Architect David Adler designed the home to mimic an Italian villa, specifically drawing inspiration from the Villa Cicogna Mozzoni near Varese, Italy.
The museum holds a permanent collection of ironwork, including pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The property was donated to the Milwaukee County Park System in 1966 before becoming a museum.
Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens is a Renaissance-style villa overlooking Lake Michigan, designed by architect David Adler in 1923 for A.O. Smith. The museum features a significant collection of fine and decorative arts spanning the 15th to 18th centuries, including metalwork and sculpture. The property is characterized by its tiered Renaissance Garden, which descends toward the lakefront using a formal Italian design. Visitors can view the Great Hall, which retains its original architectural integrity and grand proportions. The site operates as a public museum showcasing temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection. It serves as a historical example of early 20th-century residential architecture in Milwaukee.
From the bottom of the Renaissance Garden looking upward toward the villa facade.
Walk through the Renaissance Garden to see the full architectural layout from the lower tiers.
Check the museum's website for schedule updates as it is frequently used for private events and weddings.
Allow time to visit the nearby Charles Allis Art Museum, as both are under the same organizational management.
Do not arrive without checking the schedule, as the museum frequently closes to the public for private wedding rentals.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The garden and interior are frequently closed for private events.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the galleries and refrain from touching artwork or architectural elements.
