The collection originated from the private paperweight assembly of Evangeline Bergstrom, which she began acquiring in 1935.
The museum holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of glass paperweights in the world.
The structure originally served as a private family home, built in 1929, before being gifted to the city as a museum.
The museum grounds feature a sculpture garden showcasing large-scale outdoor glass and metal works.
The facility houses a dedicated hot glass studio used for both professional residencies and public educational classes.
The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is renowned for housing one of the world's most significant collections of glass paperweights. Located on the shores of Lake Winnebago, the museum occupies the former residence of John N. and Evangeline Bergstrom. Its permanent collection spans from 1848 to the present, featuring antique, modern, and contemporary glass art. The museum provides hands-on educational programming, including glass-fusing workshops and flame-working demonstrations in a dedicated studio. Visitors can explore diverse exhibition galleries that rotate throughout the year, highlighting different techniques and glass artists. The site includes a museum shop specializing in artisan-made glass gifts and jewelry. It serves as a regional hub for glass culture, offering professional studio space for visiting artists and students.
The lakeside windows offer a scenic view of the water, providing a dramatic backdrop for glass photography.
Check the online workshop calendar in advance if you want to participate in a glass-fusing class.
Visit the museum shop to see rotating displays of work from contemporary regional glass artists.
Take time to walk the lakefront path immediately adjacent to the museum building.
Do not attempt to touch the glass exhibits, as the oil from human skin can damage the integrity of the pieces over time.
Closed on Mondays and most major holidays.
Maintain a respectful distance from all glass displays; photography without flash is permitted.
