Harley Museum Adds New Exhibits
Harley-Davidson Museum displays new exhibits, celebrates 120 years
January 17, 2023
The Harley-Davidson Museum has opened new exhibits and attractions on its campus as it celebrates being a top tourist destination in Milwaukee for 15 years.
The H-D Museum is proud to partner with VISIT Milwaukee and nearly 30 other cultural institutions that make the area unique for Milwaukee Museum Days. From Jan. 19 – 29, curious explorers can enjoy discounted admission, special events and more. The H-D Museum will have special deals available for those who purchase tickets in advance from Jan. 19 – 23 and 26 – 29.
The H-D Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto,” opened last month. Isabel Quintero’s beloved children’s book jumps off the page and into the Bridge Gallery to share stories of family bonds that grow stronger on the back of a bike.
Please note the H-D Museum campus has rolled out seasonal hours for January and February. The H-D Museum will be open Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the Harley-Davidson Shop and Factory Shop will be open Thursday – Monday, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Please see below to learn about closures to each shop this month.) MOTOR Bar & Restaurant will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday. Beginning March 1, the campus will resume seven days a week operation.
On Jan. 18, Harley-Davidson will reveal both its 2023 motorcycle line-up and details of the first annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming, a celebration 120 years in the making. All the news will stream live at 10 a.m. CST at Harley-Davidson.com.
Programming / Events
Milwaukee Museum Days, Jan 19 – 23 & 26 – 29
Milwaukee Museum Days are Jan. 19 – 29. (Please note seasonal hours above for H-D Museum.) For this special event, many of the city’s most fantastic museums will offer admission at rates ranging from FREE to just $15. Just mention “Milwaukee Museum Days” when purchasing tickets in person January 19 – 23 and 26 – 29 or visit the H-D Museum tickets page to redeem the Museum Days admission offer.
The H-D Museum’s guided-tour portfolio has been updated with new experiences and content. Tours include the Spotlight Tour, the Beyond the Gate Tour and the VIP Tour. Spotlight Tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Spanish Spotlight Tours are available most weekends. Guests are invited to check out the calendar when planning their visit to sign-up in advance. To book a private group tour, call 414-287-2799 for more information. Reservations and prepayment required at least 2-weeks prior to tour date. Please note: Tour fee does not include General Admission.
From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you.
The Experience Gallery displays inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, provides a look at the epic journeys one can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the chance to throw a leg over a new Harley-Davidson #FreedomMachine.
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions. The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.