Docomomo US/Wisconsin

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Docomomo US/Wisconsin Docomomo US/Wisconsin, Advocating for the preservation of Moderism throughout Wisconsin!

Our mission focuses on Modern buildings, structures, cultural sites, and allied public arts realized during the 20th Century. We celebrate creators, clients, companies and cultural organizations from all of Wisconsin’s diverse communities: urban, rural, and in-between. To learn more about our ongoing documentation, engagement, and advocacy efforts, follow us here on Facebook and Instagram, or send us an email at [email protected] to get involved!

Our Michael P. Johnson house tours were sold out, and for good reason. We had the incredible opportunity to explore the ...
10/14/2026

Our Michael P. Johnson house tours were sold out, and for good reason.

We had the incredible opportunity to explore the McQuitty House and Picard House with Michael himself. Both homes remain largely true to his original designs, making it especially meaningful to experience these spaces alongside the architect who created them.

After exploring the homes, everyone gathered in the Picard House loft, where Michael shared memories of his early years in Milwaukee, including the incredible story of building one home every year with his father, beginning at age 10.

The conversation didn’t stop there. We gathered in the garage, surrounded by our Michael P. Johnson exhibit banners, to connect with fellow modernist enthusiasts, share stories, and celebrate the places and people that make Wisconsin’s modernist legacy so special.

A huge thank you to Michael, our gracious homeowners, our volunteers, and everyone who joined us.

Sharing these remarkable homes, Michael’s stories, and time together with our modernist community made for a truly special weekend.

Docomomo/US Wisconsin had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from architect Michael P. Johnson about hi...
10/14/2026

Docomomo/US Wisconsin had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from architect Michael P. Johnson about his time in Milwaukee, the stories behind his work, and his continued renegade approach to architecture.

The room was filled with family, friends, MIAD students, and fellow architecture enthusiasts, all coming together to celebrate Michael’s remarkable legacy. Between his stories, humor, and insights, it was a reminder of the connections architecture creates — between people, places, and generations.

Guests also explored our Michael P. Johnson exhibit, featuring informational banners highlighting his life and work, and had the opportunity to purchase copies of his work, with proceeds supporting Organic Architecture + Design Archives.

A special thank you to Docomomo/US Wisconsin Board President Eric Vogel for leading the lecture portion of the evening, and to board member Scott Templeton for designing the exhibit banners that helped bring Michael’s story and architectural legacy to life.

Most of all, thank you to Michael for returning to Milwaukee and sharing his stories with us — and to everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening.

Join Docomomo/US Wisconsin for our Fall House Tour and get an inside look at two distinctive homes designed by Michael P...
09/29/2026

Join Docomomo/US Wisconsin for our Fall House Tour and get an inside look at two distinctive homes designed by Michael P. Johnson.

📅 Saturday, October 3
1:00–3:00 PM House Tour
📍 McQuitty House + Picard House, Grafton
3:00–4:00 PM After-party at the Picard House

Tour these remarkable homes, experience Johnson’s modernist design firsthand, and connect with fellow fans of Wisconsin modernism.

$10 Members | $30 Non-Members
Space is limited - see link in bio to register!

Step into the world of architect Michael P. Johnson and explore his distinctive approach to modernism.Join us Thursday, ...
09/29/2026

Step into the world of architect Michael P. Johnson and explore his distinctive approach to modernism.

Join us Thursday, October 1 at MIAD for a special pop-up exhibit and lecture celebrating Johnson’s work and legacy.

📍 MIAD, Room 160 Lobby
273 E. Erie St., Milwaukee
6:00 PM — Pop-Up Exhibit
6:30 PM — Lecture

Come see the exhibit, hear the stories behind the work, and celebrate one of Wisconsin’s important modernist voices.
See link in bio for details & registration.

SAVE THE DATES, MODERNISM AWAITS! From Doors Open to lectures, exhibits, and a fall house tour—come explore with Docomom...
09/25/2026

SAVE THE DATES, MODERNISM AWAITS!

From Doors Open to lectures, exhibits, and a fall house tour—come explore with Docomomo/US Wisconsin and friends over the next week.

📅 SATURDAY 9/26 & SUNDAY 9/27 — DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE
Experience modernist icons throughout Milwaukee all weekend long! Visit incredible buildings, discover hidden gems, and take photos for the 2026 DocoPhoto Contest. 📸

📅 MONDAY 9/28 — MODERNIST LEGACY: THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE NORTH SHORE
📍 North Shore Library, Bayside
Join us for an evening celebrating the architecture and design of the North Shore, presented by Docomomo Board Members in partnership with the North Shore Library and Fox Point Artists Forum Series.

📅 THURSDAY 10/1 — RENEGADE MODERNISM: THE ARCHITECTURE OF MICHAEL P. JOHNSON
📍 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee
Explore the early Wisconsin houses of architect Michael P. Johnson through an exciting exhibit and presentation, plus a chance to meet the architect!

📅 SATURDAY 10/3 — FALL HOUSE TOUR: MICHAEL P. JOHNSON
📍 Picard & McQuitty Houses, Grafton
Step inside the world of Michael P. Johnson with a special fall home tour, followed by an after-party at the Picard House.

✨ Ready to join us? See the links in our bio for Eventbrite sign-ups, event details, and more!

Don’t miss two amazing opportunities this fall to explore the bold, unconventional, and experimental architecture of Mic...
09/13/2026

Don’t miss two amazing opportunities this fall to explore the bold, unconventional, and experimental architecture of Michael P. Johnson.

LECTURE + POP-UP EXHIBIT
Dive into the world of Renegade Modernism and get to know the creative mind behind it. This is your chance to explore architectural ideas up close and personal, connect with Michael P. Johnson, and discover his transformational Wisconsin architecture that openly defies residential design as we know it.

📅 Thursday, October 1
Pop-up exhibit opens at 6 PM, Lecture at 6:30 PM
📍 MIAD, Room 160 Lobby
273 E. Erie St., Milwaukee
This free event is open to all.
🎟️ Registration details in our bio.

FALL HOUSE TOUR
Experience a Fall House Tour featuring two early homes by Michael P. Johnson in the Grafton area—the McQuitty House and Picard House—and see firsthand the experimental residential designs that helped shape his distinctive architectural vision.

📅 Saturday, October 3
House tours 1–3 PM, After-party at the Picard House, 3–4 PM
📍Grafton, WI (address provided after registration)
$10 Members | $30 Non-Members
🎟️ Registration details in our bio.

Join Docomomo/US Wisconsin for an evening exploring the people, places, and architectural legacy of Milwaukee’s North Sh...
09/11/2026

Join Docomomo/US Wisconsin for an evening exploring the people, places, and architectural legacy of Milwaukee’s North Shore.

From mid-century modern homes and civic spaces to the architects and designers who helped shape these communities, this panel discussion will look at the history, continued importance, and future of North Shore modernism.

Panelists:
Eric Vogel, President, Docomomo Wisconsin
Traci Schwartz, Vice President, Docomomo Wisconsin
Matt Amman, Treasurer, Docomomo Wisconsin
Justin Racinowski, Board Member, Docomomo Wisconsin

Moderated by David Haynes, Fox Point Artists

The evening will also feature a welcome from Patricia Algiers, Co-founder of Fox Point Artists, and Emily Laws, Library Director of North Shore Library.

📅 Monday, September 28, 2026
6:15 PM — Reception
6:30–8:00 PM — Presentation
📍 North Shore Library
711 Grace St, Suite 112
Bayside, WI 53217

Come learn more about the modernist legacy of the North Shore—and join the conversation about why these spaces matter today.

Free and open to the public, no registration required. We hope to see you there!

The places we love deserve a voice.Docomomo Wisconsin strongly opposes the proposed changes to Section 106. Find more re...
08/26/2026

The places we love deserve a voice.

Docomomo Wisconsin strongly opposes the proposed changes to Section 106.

Find more resources at section106.org

The 2026 Docomomo Wisconsin Photo Contest is now open!This year’s theme: Structures That Shape Community, Recreation & P...
08/21/2026

The 2026 Docomomo Wisconsin Photo Contest is now open!

This year’s theme: Structures That Shape Community, Recreation & Play

📸 Capture Wisconsin’s modern architecture and public spaces built between 1945–1980 that foster recreation, connection, and play!

We invite photographs of community centers, libraries, museums, shelters, playgrounds, parks, pavilions, sports facilities, bridges, skate parks, boardwalks, amphitheaters, and other spaces that bring people together and enrich everyday life.

🏆 Win $200 + a social media feature!
Submit up to 5 photos by November 15
All ages + skill levels welcome!

Post your entries on Instagram, tag Docomomo US/Wisconsin and use hashtag in the caption
Submissions also accepted via direct message or by email [email protected]

✨ Need Inspiration? Bradford Beach Bath House (Milwaukee, 1949) Designed by Grunwald and Behrens, its ship-inspired Streamline Moderne design has welcomed generations of beachgoers to Milwaukee’s lakefront.
Vintage Bradford Beach postcard, published by The L. L. Cook Company, Milwaukee

Our Mod Mixer was a wonderful summer evening celebrating mid-century modern recreation and play, connecting with fellow ...
07/24/2026

Our Mod Mixer was a wonderful summer evening celebrating mid-century modern recreation and play, connecting with fellow preservation enthusiasts, and welcoming new faces to the Docomomo Wisconsin community.

The debut of Docomomo Building Bingo and Architecture Trivia brought out everyone’s competitive spirit! It was fun to see attendees explore, learn, and celebrate Wisconsin’s modern architectural landmarks together.

We’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite Wisconsin modern building so we make sure to include it. Let us know in the comments! 👇

Special thanks to our fantastic venue, War Memorial B**r Garden ; Eric Vogel and Scott Templeton for creating Docomomo Building Bingo and Architecture Trivia; B E Y O N D V I N T A G E for the amazing prize; and Traci Traci Mia Schwartz , Heidi Heidi Swan-Wein and Michelle Michelle Kool for planning a memorable event. Congratulations to our bingo and trivia winners!

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Milwaukee, WI
53211

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