Knife Tree

Knife Tree is a chrome-plated steel sculpture that rises approximately 2.8 meters tall with a width of about 40 centimeters. The design suggests a feather while maintaining a geometric and abstract quality throughout its structure.

German artist Heinz Mack created this work in 1966, during a period when artists were experimenting with new industrial materials and abstract forms. It belongs to a movement that brought steel and similar materials into fine art practice.

The title suggests a contrast between sharp geometry and organic growth that visitors can sense when standing nearby. The polished surface reflects light and surrounding greenery in ways that change throughout the day.

The sculpture stands on garden grounds and is accessible during regular opening hours, typically on Wednesdays and Sundays. Visitors should be prepared for outdoor conditions and follow designated pathways to view the artwork safely.

The sculpture received new concrete footings in 2010 after weather-related ground conditions threatened its stability. This maintenance work demonstrates how outdoor metal sculptures require ongoing care to endure changing conditions.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1966

Creator: Heinz Mack

GPS coordinates: 43.17694,-87.93686

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08