Experience Downtown Blog

Downtown Welcomes the 2020 Democratic National Convention

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Patriotic Flowers, Banners and Lighting Welcome DNC Visitors to Milwaukee; Murals and Active Streets Pop-Up Downtown 

In the face of adversity, Milwaukee always shines through. As a sign of resiliency, Milwaukee’s skyline lit up red, white, and blue over the weekend to commemorate the now completely virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention. Welcome signage could also be seen on digital marquees and screens throughout the downtown area, welcoming Wisconsin delegates and members of the press to the city.

Elsewhere, Milwaukee Downtown has recently completed new murals surrounding the Wisconsin Center District, the location of the convention, including “Heart & Sol” by Mauricio Ramirez completed in the fall of 2019. Over the past year, the mural has become a visual statement of downtown’s diversity and inclusivity, while featuring two young, African American and Hispanic female figures. Just last week, work completed on “Kindred,” by Wisconsin artist Jaime Brown, with assistance from Karim Jabbari. The mural weaves together the city’s origin, its prominent role during the Industrial Age, and its millennium renaissance, featuring a subtle nod to the People’s Flag of Milwaukee.

Work continues at MacArthur Square, where Milwaukee artist Ken Brown depicts essential workers and frontline heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 620-ft.-long mural is one of the most unique mural surfaces, given its high visibility over Kilbourn Avenue. On Old World Third Street, one of the city’s top nighttime entertainment districts boasts Active Streets with ample outdoor dining space to patronize this historic row of restaurants. Additional Active Streets can be found near Cathedral Square.

On Water Street, one can walk down the “Road of Democracy,” a public art installation commissioned by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to commemorate the 2020 Democratic National Convention. In all 58 street pole banners around City Hall featuring the work of former Artist of Year Della Wells paired with words and phrases from Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton.

While walking around downtown, on Wisconsin Avenue, Old World Third Street, and the RiverWalk, you’ll spot overflowing planters and flower baskets filled with patriotic pop! You'll also spot sculptures, both old and new, along Wisconsin Avenue as part of the fourth annual Sculpture Milwaukee exhibition and Milwaukee RiverWalk as part of RiverSculpture! Both collections can be found on our interactive public art map. So, whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s so much safe and scenic to see in downtown Milwaukee.

Thank you to our committed downtown properties who helped welcome the 2020 Democratic National Convention to Milwaukee with lighting: 600 EAST, 833 East Michigan, The Avenue, Lakefront Brewery, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Miller Park, Mitchell Park Domes, Northwestern Mutual, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Summerfest, Two-Fifty, U.S. Bank Center, and Wisconsin Center District.