UW-Madison Genetics Dept.         Diversity Initiative

• Home
• Student Profiles
• Grants
• Links
• Calendar
• Contact Us

Madison's Great Diversity

One of the greatest things about Madison is that it is so diverse both ethnically and culturally. This is partially due to the influx of large numbers of foreign students and also ethnically diverse populations from around the US. The university attracts over 4000 students from over 114 countries world-wide.  Our restaurants range from Jamaican to Hmong to Nepalese.  Many festivals and events also enrich our exciting city culture.  In addition, Madison is conveniently located close to Milwaukee (1hr.), Chicago (2hrs.) and Minneapolis (3.5hrs.). We encourage you to check out what Madison has to offer.


Events
Numerous Madison events are listed on in the city's free newspaper, The Isthmus, and on Madison Verve, an online city events calendar.  In addition, the UW-Madison Memorial Union has numerous  campus events listed.  The Memorial Union is the social, cultural and recreational center of campus. The Union also links the campus to the community by offering world-class performances at the Wisconsin Union Theater, hundreds of non-credit Mini Courses, Hoofers outdoor recreation programs, and nearly 1000 events annually including prominent lecturers, films, and music. Through its tradition of providing exceptional programs and services combined with an open, welcoming environment, the Union creates lifetime connections to the University, one person at a time.

---

Madison Diversity Resources

Grocery Stores

Many supermarkets such as Woodman's have an imported / ethnic food section. In addition, Madison has the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country. The farmer's market is open year round either outdoor or indoor. All food is locally grown.  Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms also cater to local residents with weekly food shares.  Madison prides itself on supporting local farmers and businesses. 

The following grocers specialize in imported foods:

ASIAN
*Asian Midway Foods, 301 S. Park Street, 255-5864
Lee's Oriental Grocer, 3240 University Avenue, 231-1593
Oriental Food Market, 1206 S. Park Street, 255-0326
Oriental Shop, 1029 S. Park Street, 251-7991
*Yue-Wah Oriental Foods, 2328 S. Park Street, 257-9338
Thakek Video & Asian Food Store, 1310 S. Midvale Blvd., 298-0743

CARIBBEAN
Jamerica, 1236 Williamson St., 251-6234

INDIAN
Bombay Bazzar, 2807 University Ave., 321-1211
*Yue-Wah Oriental Foods (see above)
*Asian Midway Foods (see above)
*Maharaja Restaurant Grocery

EUROPEAN
*Fraboni's Italian Specialties and Delicatessen, 822 Regent St. (256-0546) and 108 Owen Rd ((222-0546)
Gino's Italian Deli, 4606 Verone Rd., 273-1981
Bavaria Sausage Kitchen, 6317 Nesbitt Rd., 271-1295
*Clasen's European Bakery, 7610 Donna Dr., Middleton, 831-2032
La Brioche Bakery, 509 S. Midvale Blvd, 233-3388
Emian's European Bakery & Café, 4544 Monona Dr., 224-0888

MEXICAN & HISPANIC
La Mexicana Grocery, 36 S. Fair Oaks Ave., 241-4554
La Hispana Grocery Store, 3060 Fish Hatchery Rd, 277-1750
La Chaparrita, 2618 E Washington Av., 240-4714
*Yue-Wah Oreintal Foods (see above)
*La Concha, 3054 Fish Hatchery Rd, Fitchburg, WI, 276-9263

MIDDLE EASTERN
*LuLu's Deli and Restaurant, 2524 University Ave., 233-2172

*favorites

---

Favorite Restaurants & Food Carts

Cultural Opportunities

ART MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Madison Art Center, 211 State St. is a fine art center. Telephone for information about hours open, exhibitions, tours, etc.

The Elvehjem Museum of Art, 800 University Ave. is the university art museum. It features both a permanent collection and temporary exhibits.

THEATER, MUSIC, AND DANCE
The Overture Center of Performing Arts, 211 State St., contains the restored Oscar Mayer theater, the Isthmus Playhouse, the Cross Roads, Garden Room, meeting and rehearsal rooms. National and regional ballet, opera, drama, and dance companies perform here as well as symphony orchestras and other musical groups.

University Theatre presents a subscription series in the Mitchell Theatre, Hemsley Theatre ,both in Vilas Hall, and the Wisconsin Union Theater. Information can be obtained from the Union Theater Box office in the Memorial Union.
For information on community theater groups, including Broom Street Theater, Madison Repertory Theatre and others, check the local newspapers or call CIVC.

American Players Theater is an open air amphitheater in Spring Green, about 45 minutes by car from Madison. Plays by Shakespeare and other famous playwrights are performed from June to October.

Madison Civic Music Association sponsors the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Symphony Chorus, and Madison Opera. This group includes talented professional and non professional musicians. Announcements of their programs appear in newspapers.

The UW School of Music offers various musical programs. The School's Concert line and website offer updated information each week.

UW Dance Program presents a variety of dance concerts and special events.
There are many other professional and non professional performing groups who produce a variety of musical and dramatic entertainment, as well as dance. Watch for announcements in the newspapers.