Museums, Arts and Culture |Theatres and Cinema | Libraries |

Residents and visitors alike revel in the variety of theatrical, musical and artistic offerings available in West Bend.

The Museum of Wisconsin Art is one of those treasures. Founded in 1961, the museum is supported by memberships and donations. It has the largest collection of 19th Century Milwaukee-Munich artist Carl von Marr. The museum also has an extensive art library and a collection of Wisconsin art dating from the 1850's. Contemporary art, workshops and classes for adults and children round out this exquisite gallery.

The University of Wisconsin - Washington County provides diverse opportunities for cultural expression and appreciation. An annual Fine Arts Series brings performers and speakers from diverse fields to the campus. It is home to Theater on the Hill Players, the Moraine Area Chorus, the Kettle Moraine Symphony and the Lakeshore Symphonic Band. Other performing arts groups in the community include the Musical Masquers, Spotlight Productions, the Hartford Players, Ltd. and the River City Irregulars to name a few.

The Washington County Historical Society founded in 1946, is a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of the area. The Society operates the Historical Museum and adjoining old county jail. The original Washington County Courthouse built in 1889 is the home of the Washington County Historical Museum. Citizens of the county and private grants have supported the total restoration of the facility.

West Bend is proud of its many libraries and the services they provide the community. The award-winning West Bend Community Memorial Library is located near the historical and art museums in the City's cultural district. A major expansion, completed in 2000, offers greatly enhanced services, resources and programs. The UW-Washington County and Moraine Park Technical College libraries can also access information from larger state resource centers.

Rounding out the cultural opportunities in West Bend are the many ethnic and community celebrations held each year.