The Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee is ushering in the holiday season with its annual Christmas at the Pabst event, transforming the historic home into a festive wonderland. According to CBS 58, the holiday tradition begins tommorow, offering visitors a glimpse into the mansion's decked halls with tours running daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 4.
Adding to the seasonal charm, the mansion features unique decor in each of the dozen rooms, with different interpretations by local designers every year, museum director Jocelyn Slocum told CBS 58. Milwaukee families, and even some decorators, see the Pabst Mansion as a staple of their holiday celebrations, returning each year to experience the new visions brought to life within the mansion's storied walls. Slocum described the setting as "So, every year you come, you’re going to see a different interpretation of the house."
Focusing on the personal history of the Pabst family, decorator Roxanne Rhinehart aims to tell a more human story through her designs, incorporating family pictures and artifacts. "The holiday time for me is all about family, gathering family near and far, children, grandchildren, just people coming together," Rhinehart relayed in an interview with Milwaukee Independent. Her work, alongside other volunteers, breathes life into the mansion by drawing upon its rich history and the legacy of the Pabst family.
Volunteer Michael McKinley contributes to the mansion's holiday makeover by interweaving fantasy elements into his decoration style, creating an imaginative reinterpretation centered around Mrs. Pabst, according to Milwaukee Independent. His designs require extensive planning, including forethought in selecting ornaments and decorations. While some volunteers rely on archival materials for inspiration, McKinley incorporates costume and sculpture into his approach, adding depth to the already vibrant tradition.
The Pabst Mansion, as highlighted by WISN 12 News, stands as a beacon of Milwaukee's holiday spirit, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a setting rich with the opulence of yesteryear, adorned in contemporary festive décor. It is a beloved destination, weaving together historical significance and the joys of the season for all who pass through its doors.
