Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivering remarks at Marquette University Milwaukee Wisconsin April 5 2011 — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen of the U.S. Navy delivering a speech at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 5, 2011, during his "Conversation with the Country" tour with his wife Deborah.

Official portrait of US Representative Don Manzullo wearing a suit and tie

Official logo of the Haggerty Museum of Art located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marquette Hall historic building with red brick facade and white trim under blue sky — Exterior view of Marquette Hall, a historic red brick building featuring white window trims and a traditional architectural style, under a clear blue sky

Marquette University logo featuring the interlocked letters M and U in a bold and modern design

Portrait of Mother Mary Catherine Sacred White Buffalo — Portrait image of Mother Mary Catherine Sacred White Buffalo, an Indigenous spiritual leader and elder, known for her cultural significance and sacred role.

Marquette University: Visitor Guide

Marquette University is a Jesuit university in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1881 and named after French Jesuit missionary Father Jacques Marquette, it brings together historic landmarks, modern facilities, academic life, and Indigenous heritage. The 100-acre urban campus is open daily, and most landmarks are free to visit.

The university is near Milwaukee attractions including the lakefront, Milwaukee Art Museum, and Third Ward. For current visit information, see the Marquette University Visit Page. Virtual tours are available through CampusReel.

History

Marquette began as a Catholic Jesuit institution serving Milwaukee’s immigrant community and has grown into a leading university. The Church of the Gesu, completed in 1894, and the relocated St. Joan of Arc Chapel reflect the university’s religious and cultural roots.

The Wellness + Helfaer Recreation Center opened in 2025. The university also has its own police department, supporting its commitment to wellness and safety.

What to See

Spiritual and historic sites

Church of the Gesu A Gothic Revival church with stained glass. It is open during the day for tours and services; the Sacred Spaces Pilgrimage Tour lists its hours as Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
St. Joan of Arc Chapel A medieval, 15th-century chapel relocated from France. It is open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, with free admission and an accessible entrance. See the official chapel page.
Sacred Spaces Pilgrimage Tour A self-guided tour of 12 spiritual sites.
Campus Ministry Offers interfaith resources and reflection gardens open during daylight hours.
Johnston Hall Marquette’s oldest academic building, known for its Gothic architecture. It is included in guided tours, and its exterior is accessible for photos during campus hours.
Marquette Hall and the Carillon The building has a 48-bell carillon, with Wednesday noon recitals. More information is available on the Marquette Hall information page.

Arts, culture, and campus life

Haggerty Museum of Art Presents rotating contemporary and classic exhibitions, lectures, and events. It is fully accessible.
Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) A central gathering place with cafés, event spaces, the Spirit Shop, and the “Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters” mural.
Raynor Memorial Libraries Holds rare collections, including the Tolkien Collection, and has an on-site café.
Helfaer Theatre Hosts classic and contemporary plays; performances are ticketed.
Varsity Theatre and Holthusen Hall Host events and films; the “Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters” mural is also noted at these locations.
Norris Park and Central Mall Outdoor spaces for relaxation and recreation.
Eckstein Hall The Law School offers guided tours during open house events.
Data and AI Research Center Hosts public lectures and events; check university updates.
Fiserv Forum Home to Marquette basketball games; advance ticket purchase is recommended.
Union Sports Annex Offers bowling, billiards, and dining.
Wellness + Helfaer Recreation Center / Rec Center and Rec Plex Day passes are available for fitness, swimming, and group classes.

Practical Visiting Information

Hours and admission

Campus Open daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. Individual building hours may differ.
Church of the Gesu Free admission; open during the day for tours and services. The Sacred Spaces Pilgrimage Tour gives its hours as Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
St. Joan of Arc Chapel Free admission; Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Haggerty Museum of Art Free entry. Hours are listed as Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; another listing gives Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Special exhibitions may require tickets, available online or at the venue.
Alumni Memorial Union Open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Raynor Memorial Libraries Weekdays, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; weekends, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Campus tours and general campus admission Free. Special event and performance tickets may be required.

Tours and events

In-person and virtual campus tours are available for students and other visitors. Book in advance through the visit page or register on the campus tours page. Guided tours are offered on weekdays and select Saturdays, last 90 minutes, and start from the AMU. Free self-guided tours are also available through an app, as is a 360° virtual tour. Virtual tours are available 24/7 through CampusReel Virtual Tours.

Annual events include Discovery Days, public lectures, performances at Helfaer Theatre, service events, and cultural celebrations held throughout the year.

Accessibility, transport, and services

The campus is described as fully wheelchair accessible; most buildings are wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking near main entrances. The AMU and Haggerty Museum are wheelchair accessible, and the chapel has an accessible entrance. Campus signage and accessibility details are available on the campus map. Contact the Office of Disability Services for accommodations. Additional information is available on the CampusReel Accessibility page.

Marquette is centrally located and accessible by public transit, car, bike, or on foot. Paid visitor parking is available near main entrances; permits can be purchased through the website or at on-site pay stations. Marquette University Medical Clinic is available for urgent care. Campus cafés, the Spirit Shop, and nearby local restaurants provide dining and shopping options.

Contact and further information

Marquette University Admissions CampusReel Tours
Office of Inclusion and Belonging [email protected]
Current programs and cultural events Marquette Inclusion and Belonging

Tips for a Respectful and Enriching Visit

Read the Land Acknowledgment at campus entrances or online.
Check the events calendar for cultural programs, including events celebrating Native American, Hispanic, Black, and Asian American Pacific Islander heritage. Programs are open to all visitors.
Use the Indigenous Milwaukee tour for deeper historical insight.
Support local businesses, especially Indigenous- and minority-owned businesses.
Respect sacred sites by following signage and guidelines.
Digital resources include virtual tours and the Audiala app for guided audio tours and insider tips. Follow Marquette University on social media and check university updates for current information.

Nearby Places

Indigenous Milwaukee Walk & Bike Tours

This free, family-friendly, self-guided tour explores Milwaukee’s Indigenous history over 8 kilometers, with 27 interpretive stops, including Third Ward Graveyards and Summerfest Grounds. It is available in English and Spanish through the Historic Milwaukee, Inc. app. Information is also available at Indigenous Milwaukee Tours.

Marquette Monument

The Marquette Monument in Marquette Park honors Father Jacques Marquette’s legacy as a 17th-century Jesuit missionary and explorer. Erected in 1896, it consists of a bronze statue on a limestone pedestal with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from his life.

Park hours 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
Admission Free
Guided tours Offered by local organizations and the Milwaukee Historical Society; advance registration is recommended.
Accessibility Paved, wheelchair-accessible pathways and accessible parking nearby.
Special events Cultural celebrations, historical reenactments, and Marquette Day commemorations take place throughout the year.
Nearby attractions Marquette University campus, Lake Michigan shoreline, Bronze Fonz Statue, and Milwaukee Art Museum.

Other Milwaukee attractions, dining, and accommodations

Nearby historical and cultural sites include:

Pabst Mansion Showcases Milwaukee’s brewing history.
Milwaukee Art Museum Known for its striking architecture and vast collections.
Sculpture Milwaukee An annual outdoor sculpture exhibition.

The Milwaukee lakefront, Milwaukee Art Museum, and Third Ward are within walking distance of campus. More local landmarks are listed at DestGuides Milwaukee Landmarks.

Dining options include campus cafés and nearby local restaurants; see MKE With Kids Dining. Accommodations include hotels for every budget.

FAQs

What are the campus hours?
Campus is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM; specific building hours may differ.

Are tours available?
Yes. In-person and virtual tours are available. Register in advance.

Is there an admission fee?
General campus admission is free. The Church of the Gesu and Haggerty Museum are also free, though some museum exhibitions may require a ticket.

Is parking available?
Yes. Paid visitor parking is available on campus, with parking lots near campus buildings.

Is the campus accessible?
The campus is described as fully wheelchair accessible, and most buildings have accessible entrances. The Office of Disability Services can provide accommodation support.