Milwaukee Art Museum Opened Shaker Exhibition
The exhibition showcases over 150 historical and contemporary items exploring Shaker craftsmanship.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Milwaukee Art Museum has unveiled the exhibition The Shakers: A World in the Making, featuring over 150 objects and installations. The museum is one of only three institutions in the United States to present this comprehensive collection.
Why it matters
The exhibition examines the enduring legacy of Shaker design by pairing historical artifacts with contemporary artistic interpretations. It provides a unique look at how communal living and spiritual values influenced the movement's material culture.
The exhibition includes 150 objects and installations divided into 4 thematic sections. It highlights specific craftsmanship, such as a bench crafted in 1855 from pine, maple, and cherry wood.
The players
Milwaukee Art Museum
This prominent institution is one of only three locations in the United States selected to host this specific touring exhibition.
Amie Cunat
She is a contemporary artist who created a unique walk-in installation titled Meetinghouse 2 specifically for this exhibition.
The details
This exhibition displays historical Shaker furniture, tools, and textiles alongside works by contemporary creators. Contemporary artist Amie Cunat contributed a walk-in installation titled Meetinghouse 2, which is presented within four thematic galleries.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: The exhibition officially opened to the public.
Circa 1855: The historic Meetinghouse Bench on display was originally created.
Industry Dynamics
Hosting major touring exhibitions like The Shakers: A World in the Making highlights the museum's role in the competitive landscape of national fine art institutions. These partnerships allow regional venues to secure high-profile collections that drive cultural tourism.
Visitors to the Milwaukee Art Museum can now view these rare historical artifacts alongside modern installations. The museum has planned future gallery talks and tours to enhance the public experience of the collection.
The takeaway
This exhibition demonstrates the ongoing dialogue between historical craftsmanship and contemporary design by highlighting the functional beauty of Shaker objects. Readers can visit the museum to see these pieces and participate in upcoming interactive events throughout the show's run.
Further reading
Explore more local arts coverage on the Fine Art page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urban Milwaukee.
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