The Calling

The Calling is an orange steel sculpture in downtown Milwaukee made from I-beams positioned at the end of Wisconsin Avenue. The geometric arrangement of the beams creates a pattern that resembles a rising sun in the city skyline.

Artist Mark di Suvero created this steel structure in his New York studio in 1981, with funding from an anonymous donor through the Milwaukee Art Museum. The work became part of the city's artistic growth during a period when Milwaukee was redefining its industrial identity.

This sculpture reflects Milwaukee's manufacturing past and connects the city's industrial tradition with contemporary art that visitors encounter while walking along Wisconsin Avenue.

The sculpture sits in an open, easily accessible area at the end of Wisconsin Avenue where pedestrians can view it from multiple angles. It remains visible year-round and is regularly maintained by the arts organization overseeing the site.

Architect Santiago Calatrava designed the Milwaukee Art Museum's new wing in 2001 to align with this sculpture's position, integrating both works into the waterfront landscape. This deliberate pairing creates a special relationship between the two artistic structures along the water.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1981

Creator: Mark di Suvero

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 43.03914,-87.89945

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46