Milwaukee artist Greg Gossel will paint a new mural on the former Schlitz Brewery. The Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, the Downtown Placemaking Task Force and Schlitz Park selected artist Gossel to conceive and paint a 10,000-square-foot mural on the south-facing facade of the building. Installation will begin this June.

Gossel’s multi-layered work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and abroad, including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London, Copenhagen and Japan. The Schlitz mural is Gossel’s third Milwaukee mural. 

“Born and raised in Wisconsin, the opportunity to play a role in the revitalization of Schlitz Park is a dream project for me,” Gossel said. “As my largest mural, I can’t imagine a better wall for this one-of-a-kind project. My goal is to create a visually exciting and vibrant mural that celebrates Schlitz Park and the city of Milwaukee: past, present, and future.” 

Unfortunately for those of us who lack patience, the mural concept is not being shared. Instead, it will be a surprise to the public. (Although something tells us brewing-related imagery will be part of it.) 

“This highly-visible mural will share a collective view of what makes Milwaukee Famous while honoring the city’s rich brewing heritage, one that builds on the traditions the Grunau and Sampson families meticulously embraced and preserved as the campus’ original developers,” said John Coury, founder, Crestlight Capital, one of Schlitz Park’s majority ownership groups.  

Once Gossel starts installing the mural in June, Schlitz Park plans to hold a series of monthly outdoor and riverfront events, as well as a social media campaign, to inspire and engage area kids and the community to share their visions of what makes #MilwaukeeFamous.  

The mural is one of numerous key redevelopments underway at Schlitz Park including renovations to interior lobbies, common areas and amenities, renewed activation along the Milwaukee River, and a new pedestrian plaza connecting buildings at the heart of campus. 

“The thoughtful and intentional revitalization effort that is occurring at Schlitz Park creates a setting that reinforces community, culture and collaboration. Schlitz Park ownership understands the value of incorporating public art and the positive and connective effect that art has in the work environment," said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.