Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, Milwaukee

The Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, stands as Wisconsin’s most prominent tribute to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Designed by acclaimed Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the striking modernist structure was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1957 and designated a Milwaukee Landmark in 1974. Saarinen, also known for iconic works like the Gateway Arch and JFK Airport, envisioned a bold yet solemn space that honors sacrifice through powerful design.

At the heart of the memorial is a massive mosaic mural created by artist Edmund D. Lewandowski in 1959. Composed of over one million pieces of glass and marble, the mural displays slightly abstracted Roman numerals in rich purples, blues, and blacks-marking the U.S. involvement in World War II (1941–1945) and the Korean War (1950–1953).

Guided by the mission “Honor the Dead. Serve the Living,” the War Memorial Center is more than a monument. It is a living resource and event space that actively supports veterans through various services and programs. The Center also serves as a gathering place for commemorations, educational initiatives, and community events, all while honoring the 3,481 Milwaukee County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, it remains a powerful site of remembrance, civic engagement, and even celebration, doubling as one of Milwaukee’s premiere venues for weddings and special events, blending architectural elegance with enduring purpose.