Vivarium

Reviewing Vivarium's policies before your visit can help make your arrival and event experience as smooth as possible. Guests should check the latest venue guidelines before attending.

• Smoking: Electronic smoking devices, including vapes, are prohibited inside the venue.³
• Payment Options: Bars and concessions are cashless and accept all major credit cards, as well as mobile payment options. This does not apply to the box office.³
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, knives, laser pointers, signs, banners, flags, outside food and beverages, selfie sticks, tablets, laptops, professional recording equipment, professional cameras, backpacks, oversized bags, and large bags are prohibited. Check the venue’s FAQ page for a full list of prohibited items.³
• Age Restrictions: Age requirements vary by event. Check the event listing before purchasing tickets.¹

For the most up-to-date guidance, including bag policies and prohibited items, check the Vivarium FAQ page.

Vivarium is located in Milwaukee’s East Side, near downtown, placing visitors within easy reach of the city's vibrant live entertainment scene. Downtown is home to several historic performance venues that host concerts, comedy, theater, and other live events throughout the year.

• The Pabst Theater: Built in the late 1800s, this historic venue accommodates about 1,300 guests and hosts concerts, comedy, theater, and other performing arts events.⁴
• The Riverside Theater: This downtown venue seats up to approximately 2,450 guests and presents concerts, comedy, podcasts, and other live performances throughout the year.⁴
• Turner Hall Ballroom: Originally built in 1882, this historic ballroom hosts concerts, comedy, private events, and community gatherings with a capacity for up to about 980 standing guests.⁴

Vivarium is located on Milwaukee's East Side.¹ The venue is easily accessible by both car and public transportation.

Public Transportation: Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) provides bus service throughout Milwaukee, including routes serving the East Side.⁵ Visit the MCTS website to plan your trip and view current routes and schedules.

Driving: Enter 1818 N. Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202 into your preferred GPS or navigation app for the most direct route to the venue. Street parking may be available in the surrounding area.

Enjoy a selection of beverages from Vivarium's on-site bars, which open when the doors open for each event and remain available throughout the performance.³ Guests may bring purchased drinks into the performance space, so you can enjoy refreshments while taking in the show.³

All bar and concession purchases are cashless, with major credit cards and mobile payment options accepted for added convenience.³

Vivarium opened in early 2024 as Pabst Theater Group's newest live entertainment venue on Milwaukee's East Side. Replacing the nearby Back Room @ Colectivo, the 450-capacity venue continues the group's commitment to supporting Milwaukee's growing live music scene.²

Designed by Kubala Washatko Architects, the venue blends cream city brick, reclaimed wood from 100-year-old Northern Wisconsin trees, skylights, and live greenery to create a distinctive setting for artists and audiences. The name "Vivarium" comes from the Latin word meaning "place of life," reflecting the venue's mission to foster live music and creative expression.²