The best arts & culture spots in Madison

“MadMAT - Madison Museum of Art & Technology is all about digital, animated, interactive work, the kind you poke, tweak, and co-create with code. Browse the collection, click to make art yourself, then hop on their mailing list to catch the next pop-up featuring local and marginalized artists.”

From the Madison newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Whether you need a midweek brain treat or a rainy-day escape, Geology Museum lets you touch rocks from Wisconsin’s volcanic days, stand beneath a mastodon, and gawk at glowing minerals. Dinosaurs, meteorites and a Wisconsin cave model round it out... a surprisingly fun reset to slip into this week.”

“Historic venue featuring national live music & stand-up comedy acts plus DJs & movie nights.”

“Storied physics museum at University of Wisconsin-Madison offering hands-on exhibits & guided tours.”

“Almost 6,000 contemporary works of art are on display at this architecturally modern building.”

“Exhibits & artifacts showcasing Wisconsin citizens in the military over the last 150 years.”

“3 floors of interactive & educational exhibits designed for kids 12 & under plus a cafe.”

“Small museum that features interactive demonstrations of scientific principles.”