On Dec. 1, over 2,100 museums around the world, including several in Milwaukee, are set to participate in Museum Story Sunday, offering shoppers discounts, specials, gifts and locally made items.
Following Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Museum Store Sunday supports artists, small businesses, cultural institutions and the museum itself.
The tradition started back in 2017 and was founded by the Museum Store Association (MSA). Director of Retail Operations at the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) and MSA board member, Karen Brandolino, shared her excitement for the initiatives eight year of operation.
“I think everybody have that feeling of how special museum stores are,” Brandolino said. “People really appreciate getting gifts from museums, but we just wanted to vocalize that more. Also, the fact that when you are shopping at a non-profit museum store, all the proceeds from your shopping go back to support that organization.”
Check out some of the Museums participating in Museum Store Sunday in Milwaukee:
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Milwaukee Art Museum Store
In their newly expanded retail space, the first 50 visitors of the day will receive a free gift. Members will receive 20% off, while nonmembers can get 10% off their purchase storewide. There will be items that shoppers can register to win, and a free clip-on book light will be included with the purchase of any book. Plus, the MAM will also offer free gift wrapping with any purchase.
Their top gift ideas from the shop include the Valentine Coffee “Art of Coffee – Whole Coffee Beans,” a felt doll dress-up set designed by Speech Pathologist Brenna Davis, MAM’s annual ornament, cutting boards and utensils with Frank Lloyd Wright Design, bath and body by Franciscan Peacemakers, a refurbished polaroid camera, the snow MAM chocolate bar and mug gift set with hot chocolate, and Marcone Clay ceramics.
Mitchell Park Domes Gifts Under the Glass Store
The Domes will offer a 20% discount for members, and 10% off for non-members store wide. Plus, the Domes will host a book signing for Easy Walks and Paddles in Milwaukee by Jennifer and Karen Lemke, edited by Marjorie Turner Hollman at 10 a.m.
Grohmann Museum Store
The Grohmann Museum Store, at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, will offer free tote bags and Museum Store Sunday buttons while supplies last on Dec. 1. The MSOE community and members will receive 20% off regular priced merchandise. Books will be 25% off for everyone. The Museum store will be open from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday.
Milwaukee Public Museum Store
Participating online only, virtual shoppers will receive 25% off their online merchandise.
For more information about Museum Store Sunday and participating locations, visit the website.
