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Giant swans sculpture finds new home at museum
16 Sep
Summary
- A multiton bronze sculpture of Native American and swans was installed.
- The artwork symbolizes freedom and the beauty of nature.
- The sculpture was commissioned in 1963 and moved in August.
The iconic "Algonkian Indian and Whistling Swans" bronze sculpture has found a new prominent position outside the upcoming Nature and Culture Museum of Wisconsin. This multiton artwork, also known as "Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans," was installed on the west side of the museum's parking structure, overlooking its new plaza.
The sculpture, created by Marshall Fredericks, depicts a Native American figure observing four flying swans. Museum curator Dawn Scher Thomae noted in 2024 that it symbolizes freedom and the beauty of nature in Midwest culture. Theodore Eschweiler, architect of the original Milwaukee Public Museum building, commissioned the sculpture for the exterior in 1963.
Preparations for the move to the new museum began in May, with the sculpture being taken down. It was successfully installed in its new location by the end of August. The museum stated in a Sept. 16 release that a second artwork, "The Gathering Place," a copper sculpture by Oneida artist Mark Fischer, will also be part of the new plaza.
The current Milwaukee Public Museum will continue operations at its present location through Jan. 3. The new Nature and Culture Museum of Wisconsin is slated to open in the spring of 2027, though a specific opening date has not yet been announced.
