In 1979, the Allis Mansion was turned over to Milwaukee County, and was designated an Art Museum from that time forward.

It is largely intact with original furnishings and a rich and diverse art collection spanning nearly 2,000 years beginning with ancient glass objects blown in 1 B.C.

To complement this collection, the Allis holds several changing exhibitions each year, which feature works by Wisconsin artists.

The walls are largely made of concrete to keep Charles and Sarah's art collection safe from the ever-present threat of fire.

The third Thursday of the month throughout the spring, summer and fall, the Allis holds a jazz concert in the English Garden or Margaret Rahill Great Hall.

The musicians featured are Milwaukee artists, in accordance with the Allis's mission to showcase Wisconsin talent.