Acqua Grylli

Acqua Grylli is a bronze arch sculpture featuring a mythical female form positioned on the western bank of the Milwaukee River between Wells Street and Kilbourn Avenue. The work rises from the riverwalk setting where the river bends and the urban waterfront develops.

The sculpture was officially unveiled in August 2001 as part of a public art initiative for Milwaukee's riverfront revitalization. Its creation marked a broader effort to transform the Milwaukee River area into an active gathering space for the community.

The female figure serves as a guardian presence watching over the boundary between the river's natural flow and the urban landscape surrounding it. Visitors often notice how the sculpture seems to mediate between these two different worlds.

The sculpture is accessible year-round from the Milwaukee Riverwalk, with easy viewing from both street level and the river itself. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and seasonal variations that affect the appearance of the bronze surface.

The artist Beth Sahagian who created this sculpture also owns the conservation company responsible for maintaining it over time. This unusual arrangement means the creator remains directly involved in protecting and preserving the work's condition.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 2001

Creator: Beth Sahagian

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 43.04090,-87.91226

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44