Robert Indiana’s iconic sculpture “The American LOVE” will be coming to the lakefront as part of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Collection, thanks to the gift of an anonymous donor.

The sculpture was previously on display during Sculpture Milwaukee 2018, in front of the Northwestern Mutual Building on Wisconsin Avenue.

“This piece by Robert Indiana was one of the most popular stops by locals and visitors alike over the summer,” said Marilu Knode, director, exhibitions and programs, Sculpture Milwaukee. “We are so glad the piece will remain in Milwaukee at the Museum. Being able to add this work to our community demonstrates the impact that Sculpture Milwaukee can have on the artistic and cultural landscape of the city.”

The work will be installed near the Milwaukee Art Museum’s East End patio, facing Lake Michigan, when the ground thaws in the spring. This opportunity was possible due to Steve Marcus’s visionary leadership of Sculpture Milwaukee.

“The American Love” joins a number of works by Robert Indiana in the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Collection, including early color screen prints and lithographs, and an important early wood sculpture.

“Indiana’s work has always connected with Milwaukee. His design for the MECCA floor in the 1970s is a Milwaukee icon, not just for art lovers. It’s fitting that Milwaukee is now home to the artist’s iconic LOVE sculpture as well,” said Margaret Andera, curator of contemporary art and interim chief curator, Milwaukee Art Museum. “We are indebted to the anonymous donor, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Sculpture Milwaukee for their support in bringing this work to the Museum.”

Dates will be announced once ground temperature allows for a secure and permanent installation.

Home to a rich collection of more than 30,000 works of art, the Milwaukee Art Museum is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Sculpture Milwaukee debuted in 2017, from the idea by local philanthropist Steve Marcus.

Lee Matz