Looking for unique things to do in Wisconsin? The Oshkosh Public Museum is hosting a rare exhibition you won’t find anywhere else in the Midwest.

Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective is a limited-time exhibition featuring more than 200 extraordinary pieces of jewelry and decorative arts on loan from some of Chicago’s most prestigious collections. Experience iconic artistic movements spanning more than 300 years.

Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a memorable family outing, this Wisconsin jewelry exhibition offers plenty of reasons to visit.

 

Reason #1: It’s a Rare Wisconsin Jewelry Exhibition You Won’t See Twice

Opportunities to see collections of this scale and value do not come around often. Here’s a preview of what awaits designers, students, collectors, tourists, and the wider community. This exhibition brings together pieces from private collectors and major institutions that are rarely displayed publicly—let alone under one roof.

Once Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective closes, the pieces will return to their home collections. That makes this a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see them up close.

 

Reason #2: View Works Connected to Fabergé, Tiffany, and Lalique—No Passport Required

You don’t need to travel to Europe or New York City to experience world-class design. Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective features jewelry and decorative art connected to some of the most celebrated names in jewelry history, including Fabergé, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and René Lalique.

From Fabergé’s intricate enamel work and Tiffany’s bold use of color and gemstones to Lalique’s fluid artistic vision, this exhibition brings internationally recognized craftsmanship within easy reach of Wisconsin visitors. Move through 300 years of craftsmanship, one story at a time.

 

Reason #3: Explore Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Arts & Crafts Styles in One Place

Few exhibitions let you explore multiple design eras in a single visit. Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective does exactly that, guiding visitors through Art Nouveau’s flowing, nature-inspired lines; Art Deco’s bold geometry; and the handcrafted authenticity of the Arts & Crafts movement. You will also encounter notable periods and styles, including Jugendstil, the Vienna Secession, Belle Époque, and Mid-Century Modern.

Seeing these styles side by side makes it easy to see how artistic movements shaped—and were shaped by—the culture around them.

 

Reason #4: It’s History Worn Close to the Heart

Unlike paintings or furniture, jewelry was made to be worn close to the body. That means every piece in this collection carries a personal story.

From centuries-old devotional pendants to bold Jazz Age statement pieces, the objects in Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective reveal how people expressed faith, status, fashion, and identity throughout history. It’s a reminder that even the smallest object can tell an important story.

 

Reason #5: A Cultural Outing That Works for Everyone

Not sure whether the whole family will be on board? Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge of art or history. It’s an engaging outing for families, a unique date-night option, and a rewarding stop for students and lifelong learners alike.

The exhibition is visually stunning and educational, so there’s no wrong way to experience it.

 

Reason #6: A Meaningful Day Trip from Anywhere in Wisconsin

This exhibition is expected to draw visitors from across the Midwest, especially Wisconsin. Whether you’re coming from the Northwoods, Madison, Milwaukee, or right here in the Fox Valley, Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective is worth the drive.

Extend your stay with a visit to the Paine Art Center and Gardens, located across the street from the Oshkosh Public Museum. Show your Oshkosh Public Museum admission receipt to receive 50% off admission at the Paine.

Drive about 20 minutes north to visit the R. Harder Gallery of Gems and Minerals, located at Jewelers Mutual Group headquarters, the exhibition’s presenting sponsor. The gallery features a large private collection of natural gemstones, crystals, and world-class mineral specimens, many still in their original matrix. Admission is free. Learn more here. 

Pair your museum visit with a local restaurant and a stroll along the Fox River. Discover Oshkosh is a helpful resource for finding more things to do in the city.

 

Reason #7: Discover the Oshkosh Public Museum

If you haven’t visited the Oshkosh Public Museum before, Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective is the perfect reason to do so. General admission includes access to the entire museum for the day, so you can explore the Historic Sawyer Home and permanent collections alongside this special exhibition.

 

Reason #8: Time Is Running Out

Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective is on view from September 19, 2026, through March 20, 2027. That may sound like a long run, but exhibitions like this often draw larger crowds as word spreads. Once it closes, the pieces will return to their home collections.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a visit, now is the time to put it on your calendar.

 

Plan Your Visit to Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective

From Fabergé’s intricate enamel work to Tiffany’s bold, colorful designs and Lalique’s fluid artistry, Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class jewelry and design without leaving Wisconsin. Add a sweeping journey through Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and the Arts & Crafts movement, and it’s easy to see why this exhibition is poised to become one of the Fox Valley’s most talked-about cultural experiences.

Whether you’re drawn by the craftsmanship, the history, or the chance to see more than 200 extraordinary pieces of jewelry and decorative art in one place, Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective delivers an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the region.

Ready to see it for yourself? Visit the Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective exhibition page for full details, including museum hours, admission prices, and directions to the Oshkosh Public Museum.

Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective is on view from September 19, 2026, through March 20, 2027. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. The exhibition’s presenting sponsor is Jewelers Mutual and it is supported by Travel Wisconsin.