ABOUT US
Sculpture Milwaukee is a non-profit organization transforming downtown Milwaukee’s cultural landscape every year with an outdoor exhibition of world-renowned sculpture that serves as a catalyst for community engagement, economic development, and creative placemaking.
Privately funded and open at no cost to visitors we make sculpture accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Because we believe great art has the power to rouse individuals, bring people together and make Milwaukee an even better place.
In 2007, Sculpture Milwaukee was a vision of Steve Marcus, chairman of the Marcus Corporation, who wanted to revitalize West Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee and make culturally significant sculpture accessible to visitors and residents of the city. After ten years of contemplation and planning, more than one hundred volunteers, and many cranes, bolts and tours later, Sculpture Milwaukee launched its first exhibition in 2017, under the support and guidance of Milwaukee Downtown and the City of Milwaukee.
In 2019, Sculpture Milwaukee became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and now, Sculpture Milwaukee is an annual beacon that attracts spectators, art lovers, tourists and families to the heart of downtown Milwaukee every Summer.
Metered street parking is available along the exhibition route. To pay, use the meters on the sidewalk or download the MKE Park app.
There is generally a two hour maximum for street parking. Keep in mind that parking is generally free after 6pm, and free all day on Sunday. For complete details always defer to posted signage.
Paid Parking Garages + Lots we recommend:
The Pfister Hotel Self-Park Garage (421 E Mason St, Milwaukee, WI 53202)
The Hilton Milwaukee Parking Garage (600-630 N 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53203)
For a complete list of parking lots and structures click here.
Due to the unique nature of our exhibition, we do not offer designated public restrooms.
We invite you to patronize one of the many cafes, businesses or hotels along our route. These businesses have public restrooms available with a purchase.
East Town:
The Pfister Hotel - public and handicap accessible bathrooms are available off the lobby. While you’re there check out their incredible artist-in-residency program and refresh with a beverage from their cafe or bar.
West Town:
The Hilton City Center Hotel - bathrooms are accessible from the main lobby
Third Ward
The Milwaukee Public Market: Bathrooms are located on the second level, which can be accessed by stairs or elevator.
www.sculpturemilwaukee.com/maps
Artworks may be installed, deinstalled, or temporarily removed throughout the season at the discretion of the SMKE Staff.
Our curatorial team makes all of the decisions about the artworks we bring to Milwaukee. At this time we do not accept submissions from artists directly.
The majority of the work can be viewed from a vehicle, but as our exhibition is along busy urban streets, it’s important to stay vigilant, obey all traffic laws, and avoid high-traffic times. Our sculptures are on view 24/7, and are lit at night. We suggest a driving tour during early morning, mid-afternoon, or later in the evening.
Some works are not viewable from the street level.
To know if something you see if apart of sculpture milwaukee, this is how you can tell.
1. All SMKE artworks are accompanied by a object label with text about the artwork
2. Check the map for all our currently on view artworks
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
All the works in Sculpture Milwaukee are for sale and several have been purchased to be put on permanent public display.
Milwaukee now has one of the most significant collections of contemporary public art in the country, and with the generosity of Milwaukee’s cultural leaders, we hope to grow this legacy for many years to come.
Founding Sponsors
Anonymous
Donna & Donald Baumgartner
Black Box Fund
Evan & Marion Helfaer Foundation
Herb Kohl Philanthropies
Herzfeld Foundation
Hoke Family Foundation
Susan & Mark Irgens
Mandel Group
Mellowes Family
Milwaukee Downtown Inc./Bid#21
Sue & Bud Selig
Julie & David Uihlein
Masterpiece
Associated Bank
Baker Tilly
Farbman Group
Michael Best Friedrich LLP
Nelson Schmidt
Patron
GRAEF
Milwaukee Art Museum
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Syslogic Inc.
The Avenue | Third Street Market Hall
VISIT Milwaukee
Friend
BMO Harris
Brewers Community Foundation
Foley & Lardner LLP
Kelli Gabel
Godfrey & Kahn S.C.
Guardian Fine Arts Services
Hawks Landscape
Johnson Financial Group
Kohler Co.
Kujawa Enterprises Inc.
Milwaukee Arts Board
Milwaukee Magazine
Milwaukee World Festival Inc.
Wayne & Lori Morgan
Andy Nunemaker
Power Test, Inc.
Terra Engineering, Ltd
BUSINESS MEMBER
Baker Tilly
Hawks Landscape
Milwaukee Downtown
Sid Grinker Restoration