Statement in Remembrance of Donald Baumgartner

Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera honor Donald Baumgartner's life and legacy.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – July 14, 2026 – It is with profound sadness that the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Ballet, and Florentine Opera mourn the passing of Donald Baumgartner. Donald was known throughout our community as a respected philanthropist, business and civic leader, and unwavering champion of the arts. To each of our institutions, he was far more than a generous supporter—he was a trusted leader, steadfast advocate, and dear friend.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his loving wife and partner, Donna; their children, grandchildren, and the entire Baumgartner family; along with his many friends and all who were fortunate to know him. We also recognize the countless people whose lives were touched by Donald’s generosity and who, like us, are grieving this tremendous loss.

Donald will be remembered as a true titan whose influence has reached every corner of our community. His legacy lives on through his family and friends, his work, and the many organizations he and Donna have supported. A visionary leader, his determination and generosity transformed ideas into opportunities that continue to benefit us all today. Donald believed deeply in the power of the arts to enrich lives and strengthen communities, and he gave selflessly to ensure that future generations could experience that same power. Few individuals have done more to strengthen Milwaukee’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Donald’s personal connections to our three organizations have run deep over almost four decades. He served as a board member and Life Director of Florentine Opera as well as Trustee and Life Trustee of the Milwaukee Art Museum, including as Chairman from 2001 to 2003. His passion and counsel helped bring two transformative buildings to Milwaukee: the Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Baumgartner Center for Dance, Milwaukee Ballet’s headquarters in the Historic Third Ward. With his beloved wife Donna, their personal philanthropy has uplifted our city, with major support to bring the Baumgartner Center for Dance to life, to permanently endow the Donna and Donald Baumgartner Directorship at the Milwaukee Art Museum, and to endow Florentine Opera’s Baumgartner Studio Artist Program, which serves as a vital artistic pipeline for performers. Donald and Donna have sponsored countless opera and ballet performances, entire season presentations, and gifted or contributed funds for the acquisition of no fewer than 80 artworks in the Art Museum's collection. This generous support has truly allowed our organizations to share the Baumgartner’s love and appreciation of art with the rest of the world.

Donald’s investment in our institutions extended far beyond financial support. His wisdom, encouragement, and leadership helped shape our organizations into the world-class institutions they are today. On behalf of our artists, staff, volunteers, and Boards of Directors, we share our deepest gratitude for his friendship, generosity, decades of service, and unwavering belief in the importance of our work.

Donald’s values, faith, and vision for a stronger, more sustainable future will continue to inspire our work and guide our commitment to artistic expression, community engagement, and future generations. His legacy lives on through the artists, students, audiences, and community members who benefit from the organizations he helped to strengthen. The Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Ballet, and Florentine Opera are committed to honoring Donald through our continued excellence, service, and perseverance.

We are profoundly grateful for the life Donald lived, all that he shared, and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed, warmly remembered, and forever woven into the story of our organizations and our community.