TO THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD WELCOME

JUST ONE BLOCK SOUTH of Milwaukee’s downtown, the Historic Third Ward is one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods and offers the city’s most dynamic array of restaurants, unique shopping, art galleries, performing arts theatres, salons, spas and professional services — all in a historic warehouse setting.

Since its early beginnings — enhanced by its historic ambiance and 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 more than 400 businesses and maintains an unparalleled position within the retail and professional service community as Milwaukee’s showcase mixed-use district.

The Historic Third Ward is a hub for artistic activity and exhibition within Milwaukee and is currently home to more than 25 galleries and art studios, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN), Edessa School of Fashion and the Broadway Theatre Center.

Designated the #4 Best Arts District in 2022 by USA Today and featuring works as part of the Sculpture Milwaukee show, these honors recognize the neighborhood’s successful art, artists and venues for creativity and expression.

The Third Ward includes 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 river views 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 us at historicthirdward.org for more details.

Cover photography by Eric Halverson