Placemaking and Public Art

Fostering a Vibrant Environment

Together with community partners, we work to reinvigorate downtown’s public spaces to make the district more walkable and enjoyable for all. From mural installation to improvement projects, we’re always seeking new placemaking opportunities.

30

permanent murals commissioned since 2017

First

downtown dog park opened in 2025

16

temporary installations commissioned since 2017

5,000

square feet of murals added to the RiverWalk since 2024

Brightening Up Milwaukee

Landmark Lighting

We coordinate citywide lighting initiatives to honor significant milestones in our community. From holidays and memorials to sports celebrations, more than 30 properties help illuminate our skyline.

The Northwestern Mutual building's columns lit up in red and blue.
A downtown Milwaukee building is lit up with the colors of the rainbow.

Public Art and Spaces

A walk outside is all it takes to spot a vibrant mural or fascinating sculpture. Check out the 160+ pieces of public art visible throughout Downtown Milwaukee.

The ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the new Westown mural.

Past Projects Archive

Art leaves a lasting impression. Milwaukee Downtown is proud to have hosted these limited-time installations in the past.

A young girl rights the Light Lane art installation with her mother nearby.
The Massimals polar bears on a snowy evening in Cathedral Square Park.

More of What We Do

We invest in the people and the time needed to make Downtown Milwaukee a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all. Take a closer look at ways BID #21 brings this vision to life.

Three people walk outside a building.

Economic Development

Twelve million square feet of office inventory, plus billions of dollars in current and proposed projects, make Downtown Milwaukee the place to be for business.

Kids line up to peek inside a Department of Public Works truck at Big Truck Day.

Events and Marketing

We love to celebrate with the community. From holiday festivals to weekday concert series, join us at the many events we coordinate throughout the year.

A member of the Homeless Outreach team in their car.

Quality-of-Life Initiatives

Through the creation of intervention teams, fundraising campaigns, and outreach programs, we have worked to assist and reduce the city’s unhoused population.

A Public Service Ambassador helps a mom and daughter at the park.

Public Service Ambassadors

Our spirit squad, walking concierges, and information gurus. Discover how this team promotes Downtown Milwaukee and works to keep it a safe, welcoming place for all.

A member of the Clean Sweep crew cleans the sidewalk.

Clean Sweep Ambassadors

They sweep. They scrub. They stop gum from ever meeting your shoe. This hardworking crew helps keep our district litter-free and sparkling clean, sunup to sundown.

A member of the landscape crew waters flowers in Milwaukee.

Landscape Crew

Over 375 planters and beds, and 75 hanging baskets brighten up the streets in our community. All thanks to these green thumbs, who rotate out arrangements every season.

A Public Service Ambassador cleans an old Milwaukee police call box.

Graffiti Removal Team

It’s not just about wiping away stubborn, unwanted markings. Graffiti removal also helps keep property values from lowering and criminal activity from rising.