A look at some Milwaukee Bucks murals around the city

There are so many reasons to love the city of Milwaukee. Whenever I describe it to others, I always come back to the people. It’s such a vibrant community with so many folks putting forth their talents in beautiful ways. From music to artistic endeavors, skill flows through the city.

One way this talent is expressed all across the city is through murals. They’re everywhere. They range in various sizes too. Additionally, the themes embody so many levels. Some humorous, some playful, while others express heartbreak and sorrow.

Every day on my commute to work (Brew Hoop isn’t my full-time job), I pass one of Milwaukee’s most famous murals, the Mural of Peace. This got my content brain thinking. I wonder if people would appreciate an article highlighting some of the Bucks-related murals in the city. There are more than I can ever write about spread throughout the various Milwaukee neighborhoods. I thought it’d be a neat idea to go visit some and snap some photos to share with readers who may not be able to see these on a frequent basis or who may not even live in Milwaukee.

NOTE: These aren’t ranked. It’d be too tough to do that. As I said before, the local artist scene is far too talented to ever answer that question. Instead, this will just be an appreciation of some pieces along with where you can find them if you’re ever in the city.

Corner of 29th St. and Vliet St.

WE ARE ALL CHAMPIONS. How neat. Art has the power to be influential and inspirational, and this piece accomplishes it. So first, you have the iconic image of Giannis after the Bucks won the 2021 Finals. Just surreal. But then, it goes multiple layers deep in the Wisconsin sports fandom. From Henry Aaron to Reggie White to Ron Dayne and more, so many athletes are represented to really drive home the message. This piece was completed by Rozalia Singh. You can view more of Rozalia’s work here.

2377 N. Holton St.

Despite the Bucks not being the focus point of this, it’s still an absolutely beautiful mural. It depicts so many angles and stories of culture, community, and history. Sure, it’s a bit of a product placement with Jack Daniels, but I love how everything blends together and creates such a vibrant aesthetic. Tremendous work by Tia Richardson on this one. You can learn more about Tia’s work here.

2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

This mural can be found at one of my favorite bars in all of Milwaukee, The Highbury. In 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, you might remember how some of the Bucks, including Giannis, marched and protested with the Milwaukee community. The owner of The Highbury, Joe Katz, was so impressed that Giannis & Co. did that, that he wanted to have a mural depict it. Local artist Ruben Alcantar then completed it later that same year. A truly powerful and inspiring mural that will live on. Also, if you’re ever in Bay View, go check out The Highbury. It’s amazing. Here’s some additional information on the mural as well as its creator, Ruben Alcantar.

327 W. National Ave.

When the Brewers were making their run to the NLCS back in 2018, myself (along with many others), relished in just how amazing it was that the city of Milwaukee had two MVPs playing at such a high caliber. This mural by Shawn DeKay was then created to commemorate it. I love all the details in this one. From the messaging of OUR TOWN, OUR CREW, OUR MVP to DREAM UNTIL IT’S YOUR REALITY at the bottom, there’s a lot to take away here. I’ll occasionally pass this one on my way to work as well. You can see more of DeKay’s work on his Instagram page.

818 S. 2nd St.

Painted by Aisha Valentin, this is a mural that highlights and celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride. Located on the side of Walkers Pint, a bar that has been a safe social scene for the gay community, this mural really captures your eye as you’re driving down the street. It embodies positive and re-affirming messages about love. Also, hidden within it are the words “Go Bucks.” You can view more of Aisha’s talent on her Instagram page.

3600 S. Clement Ave.

Located on the side of a liquor store, this is a grayscale depiction of Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbling the basketball up the court. I love how artist Fred Kaems went that route and then colored in the background with gorgeous patterns. When you see it in person, it nearly pops out in 3D fashion. If you ever find yourself on the border of Bay View and St. Francis in this area of the city, it’s worth your time to check it out. Learn more about Fred’s talent by heading over to his site.

600 E. Wisconsin Ave.

This is perhaps the most famous Bucks mural in the city. Painted a few years ago at the beginning of the NBA Playoffs, muralist Mauricio Ramirez captured absolute beauty with this massive masterpiece. I’m assuming most of you have seen this in person, but if you haven’t, add it to your bucket list. If you’re coming in from out of town for a game, you’ll definitely want to see this before heading to Fiserv Forum. It’s right in the heart of downtown on Wisconsin Avenue. Whenever I drive by it, I always look at it from the perspective of a tourist visiting Milwaukee for the first time. It really depicts Giannis’ standing in the city and how much he truly means to this community. See more of Mauricio’s incredible work here.

As I said before, I know there were plenty of murals that I may have missed. That’s the beauty of the art community. There are always new pieces that are sprouting up. I’m excited to see what’s on tap in the years ahead.

Have you seen any of these in person? What’s your favorite mural in Milwaukee (Bucks-related or not)? Let us know in the comments!