Rachel Evans: Doors Open Milwaukee

     For the Doors Open Milwaukee event, I went to the Turner Hall and the Pabst Theater.  I was kind of disappointed with the tour of Turner Hall, we got to see the in progress restaurant that they're building, the ballroom, the room where they broadcast the 4th Street Forum, and then the gym in the basement.  It was interesting to learn about the history behind the Turners and everything that they did for the city of Milwaukee, but I was more hoping to see behind the stage and the balcony.  Also, seeing the ballroom in the daylight is a completely new experience.  I could see the damaged ceiling from the fires and for once I actually noticed that there were paintings on the chipped walls.  It was almost like seeing the ballroom for the first time, normally it's dark and crowded so I don't get to notice little details.

This is a picture of one section of the ballroom that they had restored.  I can't even imagine how gorgeous the room would look if they could get it back to this state, but sadly the funding isn't there to go through with it.  Another dilemma that the tour guide brought up is that people have differing opinions on restoring it.  It's been turned into a place where people gather to listen to live music and drink, if they spent the money to make it look nice again would you really want beer spilled all over it?  Personally, I have mixed feelings about it.  On one hand I think it would be great to restore it and keep using it as a venue for live shows.  On the other hand, I like the old and worn look that the room has to it, it gives it character.  Whatever the case, the collapsing floor should definitely get checked out before the ballroom gets a facelift.

The basement was a surprise to me, I didn't think that they still had a useable gym in the building, let alone a rock climbing wall!  Yeah it's smaller, but I think it shows just how a historic building can still host and entertain many people even if it's original purpose no longer exists.














Next stop was the Pabst Theater.  Here I really to snoop around!  I was not expecting to get handed a sheet of paper stating important facts about the theater and then having access to the whole building.  To be honest, I spent maybe two minutes reading the paper, and then when I turned the corner to see an open stage with everyone walking onto it, that sheet got stuffed into my purse, never to be seen again.  I explored behind the stage, on the stage, as well as above and under the stage.  I was ecstatic.  Theater has always fascinated me so being able to see how it works behind the curtain was fun.  I have never seen so much rope in my life!

My friend and I climbed to the top of the spiral staircase...we regretted that the next day...

Under the stage there was a lounge for the actors/bands that were performing.  It had two changing rooms complete with showers and bathrooms.  What I thought was cool was that they had a kitchen area and video games, even a record player.  I could've hung out there all afternoon.

To make the visit of the Pabst Theater complete, upon leaving I walked past this poster for my favorite artist, Amanda Palmer.  I am so excited for her to play in Milwaukee, it's beyond comprehension.  Although I didn't really learn about the history of the Pabst (unless I dig that sheet out of my purse).  I did get to learn about the theater itself, as far as the layout goes.  Standing on that stage gives you a whole new perspective on the room itself.  I'm glad that I got the opportunity to do so.  My first DO MKE event went well, I can't wait to explore more buildings next year.