Remember when that big illuminated Moon sculpture landed in Milwaukee’s Third Ward in 2019? Well, it’s coming back in 2026! A big year for our humble Moon!
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Historic Third Ward Association will stage a Third Ward Moon Festival in and around Catalano Square from August 7-9. The centerpiece of the FREE festival will be the return of the Museum Of The Moon installation by UK artist Luke Jerram.
“The 23-foot illuminated sculpture, created using high-resolution NASA imagery and paired with a surrounding sound experience, brings a detailed and immersive representation of the moon into the heart of the neighborhood,” says a press release.
Here’s more:
At the heart of the festival is Museum of the Moon, a breathtaking illuminated installation by artist Luke Jerram. Suspended above the Catalano Square fountain, the piece features a detailed, internally lit moon created using imagery from NASA—offering a rare opportunity to experience a globally recognized work of art in an accessible, public setting.
Both a striking visual centerpiece and an emotional focal point, the installation invites moments of reflection, connection, and awe—while creating stunning, shareable scenes day and night.
The Third Ward Moon Festival will also feature “live music, dance, art, fashion, wellness experiences, and family-friendly activities—all designed to reflect the creativity and character of the Historic Third Ward.” A full lineup will be released in the coming weeks.
“The Third Ward Moon Festival is about creating a sense of wonder, bringing people together under a shared experience that feels both intimate and expansive in the heart of the neighborhood,” says Jim Plaisted, Executive Director of the Historic Third Ward Association, in the press release.
Here’s a look back at the Moon’s first visit to the Third Ward, in 2019:
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