Kindred mural in Downtown Milwaukee.

Public Art and Spaces

Take an Inspired Look Around

Textures, colors, and stories are infused throughout Downtown Milwaukee, thanks to over 160 works of outdoor public art. Explore this world-class gallery at your fingertips, from sculptures and monuments to murals and photographs.

vessels of milwaukee riverwalk

Vessels of Milwaukee

  • Completed June 2025

La Bang Studio. Founded by artist Christina Vang, was selected to install “Vessels of Milwaukee” at the Marcus Performing Arts Center site. The mural features containers of all shapes and sizes, celebrating the rich narratives and unique assets of the Milwaukee Riverwalk and the Milwaukee Theater District.

Where to Find Public Art Downtown

There’s a large collection of art ready to catch your eye, whether you’re on your lunch break, a neighborhood stroll, or a self-guided tour.

Even More Art, Coming Right Up

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, is passionately committed to supporting the arts in our district. We are a founding partner of Sculpture Milwaukee, which annually installs sculptures on Wisconsin Avenue. We also review proposals for new mural spots in the city. Check back to see what will be unveiled next!

Two women take a selfie in front of an art installation in downtown Milwaukee.

Rainbow Summer

  • July 2026

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is pleased to partner again with Marcus Performing Arts Center on the return of Rainbow Summer — a celebration of public art, live music from local and regional artists, vendor marketplaces, food trucks, activities, and more. Check back for details on our newest pop-up installation.

Completed Public Art Collection

Since 2017, we’ve leveraged over $200,000 to fund district-defining murals, partnering with property owners and local artists to bring them to life.

A mural under an overpass that features bright flowers.

Broadway Corridor Murals

A crowd looks at the Giannis Mural in downtown Milwaukee.

Giannis Mural

A view of the full mural at the Grand Avenue Club.

Grand Avenue Club Mural

Heart and Sol mural in downtown Milwaukee.

Heart & Sol Mural

A portion of the Hero in You mural features two hands.

Hero In You Mural

hometown love is what we're made of mural by sid ylagan

Hometown Love Mural

A close up of a bird in the Migration mural.

Migration Mural

Postman's Porch residents enjoying seating

Postman’s Porch

Riverwalk Mural Collection

The Schlitz Park Mural on the Schlitz Park Powerhouse.

Schlitz Park Mural

The Kindred mural on a skywalk features vibrant colors.

Skywalk Murals

A utility box mural features a fashionable woman from the 1920s.

Utility Box Murals

A new street pole sign in downtown Milwaukee.

Wayfinding

Westown in Bloom Mural

The artist stands in front of the What Lifts You mural.

What Lifts You Mural

Past Public Art Installations

Art sure makes a lasting impression. While not on display anymore, these pieces have delighted our community in the past.

A young girl rights the Light Lane art installation with her mother nearby.