Welcome

Welcome to the Historic Third Ward!

Just one block south of downtown Milwaukee, the Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s Art and Fashion District and offers the city’s most dynamic array of restaurants, unique shopping and diverse businesses, all in a historic warehouse setting.

From its early beginnings to today’s community, enhanced by its historic ambiance and significant architecture, the Historic Third Ward has experienced a renaissance as a revitalized mixed-use neighborhood. The Historic Third Ward is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Milwaukee’s oldest center of commerce and warehousing.

Today the Third Ward is home to over 500 businesses and maintains an unparalleled position within the retail and professional service community as Milwaukee’s showcase mixeduse district. The neighborhood’s renaissance is anchored by many extraordinary shops, restaurants, art galleries, theatre groups, photographers, advertising agencies and graphic artists.

The Historic Third Ward is a hub for artistic activity and exhibition within Milwaukee and is currently home to more than 35 galleries and art studios, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), and the Broadway Theatre Center. Designated one of America’s Top 12 ArtPlaces and named one of the 10 Best City Art Districts around the U.S. by USAToday, these honors recognize the neighborhood’s successful art, artists, and venues for creativity and expression.

The Third Ward includes the Henry W. Maier Festival Park, Lakeshore State Park, and the Italian Community Center. The neighborhood is also home to the Milwaukee Public Market and the award-winning Historic Third Ward Riverwalk. Completed in 2005, the Riverwalk winds its way along the neighborhood’s west border and offers visitors nearly a mile of riverviews and outdoor dining.

The Historic Third Ward Association, established in 1976, works with neighborhood residents, businesses, merchants, real estate developers and brokers, community organizations, and civic leaders to foster, promote and encourage business retention, expansion and recruitment in the area.

We invite you to explore our unique neighborhood. Please call 414.273.1173 or visit online at historicthirdward.org for more details.

Historic Third Ward Association

525 E. Chicago Street, Suite 102 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 414.273.1173 | historicthirdward.org M-F 8:30am-4:30pm