Milwaukie, Oregon: City Hall Sculpture Garden

 

At midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on New Year's Eve, the city of Milwaukie lowered a lighted cherry sculpture, bringing in the new year and introducing a new sculpture. We were not there.

https://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/arts-committee/bing-new-year

However, reading about it let us know two things. First, there is a new cherry sculpture, commemorating the development of the Bing cherry in Milwaukie by horticulturist and foreman Ah Bing.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/bing-cherry

In addition, we learned that there is a whole sculpture garden at Milwaukie City Hall.

It is not a large or permanent exhibit; there are generally about six sculptures at a time, with new ones sought out about every two years.

Still, it is an interesting chance to view some public art at no cost, and in a fun area full of comics, chocolate, and interesting shops.

This rain cloud over an upside down umbrella worked well with the weather during our visit.

Information on the web site was for the previous batch of sculptures, but it included prices, so display here could be a precursor to later sales.

It also adds some variety and interest to the heart of the city.

COVID: The entire garden is outside, with easy distancing.

Accessibility: While the paths can be slippery, they were generally smooth and wide, so safe navigation should be possible.

https://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/arts-committee/city-hall-sculpture-garden