June 10, 2024 – (Milwaukee) – The historic Villa Terrace Art Museum turns 100 this year. Located on Terrace Avenue overlooking Lake Michigan on Milwaukee’s East Side, the Villa is one of the finest examples of Mediterranean architecture in the Midwest and features a cascading Renaissance Garden that is recognized as one of the country’s top 100 gardens.
This July, the Friends of Villa Terrace is hosting The Villa Terrace Centennial Celebration presented by A.O. Smith. The celebration features free and low-cost community events to celebrate the museum’s 100th anniversary and highlight the interesting and engaging programming taking place at the Villa throughout the year.
The Villa Terrace Centennial Celebration includes:
- Free: July 10, 9 – 9:20 p.m. – Spectacular Lakefront Drone Light Show (Rain date July 11)
A spectacular, 400-drone light show will illuminate Milwaukee’s lakefront skyline with 3D artistry and technical wizardry. The approximately 20-minute drone show is designed by Milwaukee multi-media artist, Ray Chi. The music for the drone show will be simulcast on WMSE 97.1. The event is free for all.
- Low cost: July 10, 7 – 10 p.m. – Drone Show Viewing Party (Rain date July 11)
A family-friendly evening at Villa Terrace filled with light projection, STEAM and glow in the dark activities, light snacks, DJ’s and more! Plus, Villa Terrace is the perfect spot to watch the dazzling Lakefront Drone Show. Tickets are limited and on sale now at VillaTerrrace100.com.
- Adults (age 18+) – $25
- Child (age 5-17) – $5
- Kids 4 and under – Free with ticket
- Free: July 11, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Artists’ Day
A day filled with art throughout the Villa for any age to enjoy. From plein air painters in the garden and crafts for children, to an arts and crafts fair, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer day. Complimentary light appetizers will be served from 4 – 7 p.m., along with a cash bar. Artists’ Day is free with advance tickets at VillaTerrrace100.com. Artists interested in having a table at the event can sign up at bit.ly/vt-cc-art-craft-fair.
- Bi-Annual Fundraiser: July 13, 5 – 10 p.m. – Centennial Jazz Gala in the Garden
The Centennial Celebration will culminate with a spectacular Friends of Villa Terrace fundraising event. The money raised during the Centennial Jazz Gala in the Garden will: help maintain Villa Terrace’s gorgeous Renaissance gardens and make them more accessible for people with mobility restrictions; restore the kitchens so new community classes and programming can be held; continue the restoration of the Hermes sculpture; and much more. To purchase tickets or tables go to VillaTerrrace100.com or email friendsofvillaterraceevents@gmail.com.
A. O. Smith & Villa Terrace
Villa Terrace was built in 1924 as the family home for Agnes and Lloyd Raymond Smith and their six children. Lloyd was president of A.O. Smith from 1913 to 1934. In 1966, the Villa was given to the Milwaukee Art Museum to house its decorative arts collection. Today, the museum is owned by Milwaukee County and governed by the Charles Allis Villa Terrace Museums (CAVT) Board of Directors with support from the Friends of Villa Terrace.
Celebrating its 150th year of business, A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a leading global water technology and manufacturing company that proudly employs more than 12,000 people who together provide water heating and water treatment solutions. For the most up-to-date A. O. Smith news, follow on LinkedIn or Facebook and visit www.aosmith.com. The A. O. Smith Foundation has generously supported the Friends of Villa Terrace and this year is the Presenting Sponsor of the Centennial Celebration.
For those who’d like to get involved and support Villa Terrace, there are opportunities to volunteer and donate. Visit VillaTerrace100.com for more information.
To learn more or secure tickets for the Centennial Celebration, please visit VillaTerrrace100.com. Follow Villa Terrace on Instagram and Facebook.
