Over the decades, Cedarburg has earned a reputation as a vibrant, small community that wholeheartedly embraces the creative arts. The city is fortunate enough to possess several splendid venues in the downtown area, and the most recent of these is the Cedarburg Art Museum that opened its doors in 2013.
“You can’t miss it,” we tell our guests. “Turn left as you leave the Washington House Inn and stroll a couple of blocks. You’ll find the museum in a grand Victorian mansion built of pressed red brick, and incorporating a combination of Romanesque, Queen Anne and Classical architecture.”
Designed in 1898 by local architect William Hilgen for the daughter of Diedrich Wittenberg, owner of the woolen mill that now houses Cedar Creek Settlement, the mansion was converted from a single-family dwelling into apartments at one point in its history, and it was also home to a well-known local realtor for a number of years. Yet the building still retains its glorious original oak woodwork and delightful hand-painted canvases on the ceiling in the front foyer, as well as an original stained glass window that illuminates the staircase leading up to the second floor.
The art museum and its initial 49 paintings were donated to Cedarburg by a trust fund left for the community by Ozaukee Bank, an independent local bank that closed its doors in 2007. The museum, which is run and staffed primarily by volunteers, offers an ever-changing roster of interesting exhibits, unique special events, classes for both adults and children and it also has a delightful gift shop that focuses on the work of local artists.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, the museum is well worth a visit. Go to cedarburgartmuseum.org for up-to-date information on exhibits and events.