TRAVEL GUIDE

Milwaukee Car Rental and the Bradley Sculpture Garden

If you love the outdoors and have an appreciation for art, then you must stop by the Bradley Sculpture Garden in your car rental from Milwaukee. You will be taken aback by the many different types of sculptures. With over 50 sculptures in such a beautiful setting, there is something here to cater to everyone's tastes.

How it All Began

In 1928, Harry Bradley purchased a farmhouse, barn and 40 acres of land to be developed into his residence. A landscape architect was contracted to develop the property into a botanical garden. The land was developed throughout the 30's until the start of World War II when development came to a standstill.

The era after 1950 found both Mr. and Mrs. Lynde Bradley becoming ever-increasing collectors and donors of art. In 1951 the Bradleys made their first gift of a picture to what is now the Milwaukee Art Museum . After Mr. Bradley's death in 1965, Mrs. Bradley continued the collecting that she had started with her husband. She also continued the process of giving and in 1975 the Bradley wing was opened as a setting for the Bradley Collection at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The Bradley Sculpture Garden has evolved into a complementary blending of the natural and man-made worlds. While both Mr. and Mrs. Bradley had a fascination with art, it was Mr. Bradley's plans for a botanical garden and Mrs. Bradley's devotion to sculpture that had made much of the Garden as it is today.

Conservation of the Sculptures

Protective coatings of thin layers of waxes and oils are used to protect many of the sculptures from corrosion. Handling or touching of the sculptures reduces the effectiveness of protective coatings. To assist in conserving these one of a kinds, it is common courtesy not to touch the sculptures. Many of the sculptures are composed of materials that may look durable but are actually quite thin and can be easily damaged. To avoid physical repairs, it is important that you do not damage the sculptures by sitting, leaning, or climbing on any sculpture.

Come Join the Party!

You will want to book your car rental in Milwaukee during the month of August, so you can attend the Bradley Sculpture Garden Party. It is an afternoon of fun and entertainment for the entire family. This event takes place rain or shine, so don't forget to pack an umbrella in your car rental in Milwaukee. Tickets are $8 in advance, $12 at the door, and children 12 and under are free. There are a variety of children's activities throughout the day such as the annual sketch-a-sculpture contest, Do-A-Dot art, Lego's and a Thomas the Train play table. Leave your cd's in your car rental from Milwaukee, and enjoy the live music in the park. The jazz music will have you moving and grooving but if you are more demure, then sit back and enjoy the calming sounds of the cello. Delicious food is available for purchase by the City Market such as a grilled half pound Angus burgers, grilled basil chicken sandwiches, summer garden salads and much more! Or you can bring along a picnic, it's as easy as packing up a few sandwiches and grabbing them from your car rental in Milwaukee once you are ready to sit down and relax at the one of the many picnic tables in the park. Soft drinks, desserts and popcorn are also available a la carte. For nature enthusiasts, the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center presents the Children's Nature Area and pond sampling demonstrations for children and adults. Live birds of prey are also on site.

A visit to the Bradley Sculpture Garden will be like nothing you have ever done before. It will be a hit with the entire family. Enjoy an afternoon in the sun amongst the colorful displays before heading back in your car rental from Milwaukee.