The Lovers

The Lovers Milwaukee: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The Lovers Sculpture and Its Cultural Significance

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is celebrated for its dynamic arts scene and commitment to public art, making it a compelling destination for art lovers and cultural explorers. Among the city’s treasures, “The Lovers” by Lindsay Daen stands out as a poignant symbol of human connection, intimacy, and enduring companionship. Crafted in bronze, this sculpture depicts two elongated figures walking hand in hand—an artistic metaphor for partnership and shared journeys. Its presence in the Lynden Sculpture Garden, a sprawling 40-acre landscape just north of downtown Milwaukee, provides an immersive experience that fuses monumental contemporary art with serene natural beauty (Lynden Sculpture Garden).

Visitors can experience “The Lovers” in two main contexts: as a permanent installation at Lynden Sculpture Garden and periodically as part of Sculpture Milwaukee, an acclaimed downtown exhibition that transforms the city’s RiverWalk and other urban spaces into a vibrant open-air art gallery (Sculpture Milwaukee; Imagine MKE). This guide covers essential information for planning your visit—hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions—while also exploring the sculpture’s artistic and cultural impact within Milwaukee’s broader public art landscape (Milwaukee Downtown).

Introduction
Historical Background of The Lovers
Artistic Significance and Style
Lynden Sculpture Garden: Visiting Hours and Tickets
Travel Tips
The Lovers in Milwaukee’s Public Art Scene
FAQs
Lynden Sculpture Garden Visitor Guide
The Lovers Milwaukee: RiverWalk Location and Tips
Conclusion and Resources

Historical Background of The Lovers

Lindsay Daen (1923–2001), an artist with international acclaim, created “The Lovers” as an exploration of human relationships and emotional resonance. Born in New Zealand and later an American citizen, Daen’s work is distinguished by its expressive figurative forms and focus on movement. “The Lovers,” cast in bronze and installed directly on Lynden’s expansive lawns, exemplifies his interest in intimacy and companionship (Wikipedia).

The Lynden Sculpture Garden itself was the vision of Peg Bradley, who began collecting outdoor sculptures in the 1960s. Today, the garden features over 50 monumental works by artists such as Henry Moore and Alexander Archipenko, offering a living testament to Milwaukee’s cultural growth (The Broke Backpacker).

Artistic Significance and Style

“The Lovers” is recognized for its elongated, stylized forms—evocative of both abstraction and figuration. The figures’ joined hands and forward stride symbolize both literal and metaphorical journeys, capturing themes of partnership and unity. Daen’s choice of bronze ensures durability, while the sculpture’s evolving patina enhances its organic integration with the landscape. This interplay between permanence and change reflects the ever-evolving nature of relationships, a central theme in Daen’s work.

Lynden Sculpture Garden: Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Tickets: $12 adults; $8 seniors/students; free for children under 12. Purchase online via the official website.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with paved paths and accessible restrooms.
Parking: Free on-site, with public transportation options available.

Travel Tips for Visiting The Lovers

Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays for tranquility and optimal photography lighting.
Guided Tours: Regularly scheduled; check the garden’s events calendar for dates and special programming.
Photography: Permitted and encouraged, especially during golden hour.
Seasonal Considerations: Each season offers unique vistas—spring blooms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter tranquility.

The Lovers in Milwaukee’s Public Art Scene

Milwaukee’s commitment to public art is evident in its more than 140 outdoor works. “The Lovers” adds a contemplative, emotionally resonant dimension to the city’s offerings—contrasting with iconic urban pieces like the Bronze Fonz and Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture (Milwaukee Downtown; Fox6Now). Its placement at the Lynden Sculpture Garden offers a peaceful alternative to the city’s bustling downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for The Lovers at Lynden Sculpture Garden?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, year-round.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Yes, $12 for adults, with discounts for seniors and students; free for children under 12.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check the Lynden Sculpture Garden website for schedules.

Q: Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with paved paths and accessible restrooms.

Q: How do I get there and where can I park?
A: Free on-site parking; public transit serves the area.

Lynden Sculpture Garden Visitor Guide

Historical Context

The Lynden Sculpture Garden originated as the private estate of Harry and Peg Bradley. Peg’s commitment to outdoor art collection in the 1960s resulted in a diverse and internationally significant sculpture collection, eventually opened to the public in 2010 (Wikipedia; Encyclopedia of Milwaukee).

Landscape and Collection

The 40-acre garden includes rolling lawns, woodlands, and a three-acre lake, with over 50 permanent sculptures by major artists (Lynden Sculpture Garden). The garden’s natural, unpaved terrain creates an immersive experience—bring sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

Visitor Amenities

Renovated farmhouse facilities offer restrooms, galleries, classrooms, and event spaces. Free parking is available, and limited public transit connects the garden to downtown Milwaukee.

Accessibility

While there are no paved paths, a push wheelchair is available by reservation. The terrain is grassy and gently rolling (MKE With Kids).

Programming

Lynden offers docent-led tours, workshops, and seasonal events. Check the official website for current programming.

The Lovers in Downtown Milwaukee: RiverWalk Location and Tips

When featured in Sculpture Milwaukee, “The Lovers” is installed along the RiverWalk or nearby downtown locations, making it freely accessible 24/7 throughout the exhibition season (Imagine MKE). No tickets are required.

Best Viewing: Daylight hours for safety and best photography; early mornings and late afternoons for softer light.
Access: Easily reached on foot, by bicycle, or public transportation (including The Hop streetcar). Paid parking and rideshares are readily available.
Amenities: Nearby restrooms, dining, and shopping in the Historic Third Ward and along the RiverWalk (Busy Tourist).
Visitor Engagement: Scan QR codes for artist statements or audio guides; join a guided or self-guided tour (Milwaukee Digital Visitors Map).

Note: The sculpture’s downtown display is seasonal, typically late spring through early fall.

Conclusion

“The Lovers” by Lindsay Daen exemplifies Milwaukee’s dedication to accessible, emotionally resonant public art. Whether experienced within the tranquil Lynden Sculpture Garden or as part of the energetic downtown Sculpture Milwaukee exhibition, this bronze masterpiece invites reflection on partnership, love, and the human journey. With robust visitor amenities, engaging programming, and proximity to other major attractions like the Milwaukee Art Museum and Historic Third Ward, “The Lovers” should be on every art lover’s Milwaukee itinerary (Visit Milwaukee).

Plan your visit today: For guided tours, special events, and insider tips, download the Audiala app and follow Milwaukee’s art institutions on social media. Capture your own moment with this iconic sculpture and discover why “The Lovers” continues to captivate and inspire.