It was created to enhance arts activities and to support educational programs within the community for students, researchers, residents and visitors. Permanent and specialized collections as well as temporary exhibits are featured regularly and spread throughout their 11 galleries.
Admission is free and all ages are encouraged to visit.
The facility also makes a great place for a birthday party, family function or holiday party. The Gallery Shop, located near the museum entrance, provides an opportunity to purchase pottery, jewelry, hand-crafted cards and a variety of art publications. The Memorial Union features a number of exhibits, some permanent and some temporary, all in highly visible locations on the second floor of the building. Besides the galleries, the Wisconsin Union Art Collection is on view in part in the hallways, offices and meeting rooms throughout Memorial Union and also Union South. This consolidated insect museum is stocked full of over 1 million preserved insects.