Milwaukee City Hall Unveiled Bird of Hope Art
The installation, created by Eva Petrič, features lace roses from artists in 11 countries.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Cultural
Live Poll
Does public art effectively promote dialogue and connection in your community?
Milwaukee City Hall has debuted the Bird of Hope for Peace art installation. The piece features four plexiglass panels filled with colorful lace roses created by lacemakers from 11 different countries.
Why it matters
The installation seeks to promote a message of human interconnectedness and compassion. It was brought to the city through a partnership between the Milwaukee Slovenian Arts Council, the Department of City Development, and the International Institute of Wisconsin.
The installation incorporates lace contributed by artisans from 11 countries worldwide. It serves a local population that includes 3,554 Slovenian residents in the Milwaukee metro area.
The players
Eva Petrič
Eva Petrič is the artist who created the Bird of Hope for Peace installation using international lace.
Milwaukee Slovenian Arts Council
This organization acted as a key partner in facilitating the installation's arrival in Milwaukee.
International Institute of Wisconsin
This institute is the host for the upcoming Holiday Folk Fair where the artwork will be displayed.
The details
Artist Eva Petrič developed the work by arranging lace roses into a bird image, originally inspired by the grounds of a former Nazi concentration camp. The plexiglass display has previously traveled through Idrija, Vienna, and Manhattan before its current stop.
Timeline
The installation was unveiled at Milwaukee City Hall on October 8, 2026.
The artwork will remain on display at City Hall until October 14, 2026.
The installation will be featured at the Wisconsin State Fair Park from November 20, 2026, to November 22, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The installation will be displayed at the International Institute of Wisconsin's Holiday Folk Fair, continuing the event's tradition of showcasing international cultural heritage.
Residents can view the installation for free at Milwaukee City Hall through October 14, 2026. Following this, the public can access the piece during the scheduled Holiday Folk Fair in November.
The takeaway
This installation highlights the role of international collaboration in local cultural programming. Residents interested in global art may find the upcoming Holiday Folk Fair a significant opportunity for further engagement.
What happens next
The installation will be displayed at the International Institute of Wisconsin's Holiday Folk Fair from November 20, 2026, to November 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local arts, visit the Milwaukee Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urban Milwaukee.
Live Poll
Does public art effectively promote dialogue and connection in your community?
