By Bobby Tanzilo Senior Editor/Writer Published Sep 15, 2014 at 9:30 AM

There are few events more exciting for me than Doors Open Milwaukee, which takes place this coming weekend, Sept. 20-21, as dozens of locations around town as venues of all kinds swing open their doors to let Milwaukeeans see inside. There are churches, schools, office buildings, historic sites and much more.

Last year I led a ticketed tour of Maryland Avenue Montessori School, which was great fun. I’d have done it again this year except I’m off to celebrate my grandfather’s 100th birthday this weekend.

But, because I hope all of Milwaukee eats up this delicacy of historical and architectural pleasures, I offer you a list of the six places you won’t want to miss, plus a bonus one, in no particular order. (Be sure to check the Doors Open website for details.)

  • Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Open on on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the main library is a stunner, from the ornately tiled lobby floor to the ultra-modern green roof and back to the historic, rarely seen board room. Sure, you can see the library most any day, but not in the same way.
  • Dr. Mildred Fish-Harnack Complex (aka Eighth Street School), 609 N. 8th St. Again only open on Saturday (10-3:30), this is right across from the library, so it’s an easy add-on to that stop. And, this 1882 Henry Koch-designed schoolhouse -- the third school on the site -- is the oldest still operating as a school in Milwaukee. And, it’s home to two high schools working hard for MPS kids: Project STAY and New School for Community Service. And, it’s a stunningly balanced schoolhouse that retains many of its original details, including built-in chalk rails and, in the basement, above your head, some old Johnson Controls heating controls. I hear they’ll let you in the attic, which is totally worth it. While you're up there, look for this.
  • The Federal Courthouse, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee’s Richardson Romanesque on steroids masterpiece was designed by Willoughby J. Edbrooke -- seriously, I did NOT make up that name -- who designed similar examples around the country. The soaring atrium has been restored. See if you can find the artists’ names in the ceiling art right inside (see the link above) and don’t miss the old building directory. You’ve typically got to have business and pass through tight security to get in here, so now’s your chance.
  • King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, 2375 N. 4th St., was one of a number of churches designed by Schnetzky and Liebert for Milwaukee German congregations of various faiths. This one is rarely seen by the public (on the inside) and because it’s located on a residential block on 4th, just north of North, folks don’t typically even see the facade. Check it out and be sure to ask to see the original schoolhouse, which is attached by a tunnel. Open Saturday, 10-5, with guided tours at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30.
  • Milwaukee Fire Education Center and Museum, 1615 W. Oklahoma Ave. Open both days 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. If you like your history served with a plate of passion, this is your place. Located in one of Charles Malig’s five Milwaukee bungalow firehouses, the museum is stocked full of old equipment, memorabilia, uniforms and more, all curated by retired firefighters with a passion for their work and preserving its history for future generations.
  • U.S. Bank Center observation deck, 777 E. Wisconsin Ave. Also open 10-5 both days, you don’t want to miss this annual chance to see Milwaukee from the tallest building in the state. Once open all the time, the deck’s been closed for a long time now. This is your only chance this year. Don’t miss it.

And the bonus one I promised. This week I will take part in a Geraldo-style opened of a long shuttered landmark. My story will run on Thursday and the place will then be open to the public during Doors Open weekend. Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee.com for this one!

Bobby Tanzilo Senior Editor/Writer

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.

He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.

With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.

He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.

In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.

He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.