History resides within the bricks and mortar of the city buildings we walk past every day
A community-driven initiative, "Portal to the Past" is a landmark public art initiative in Milwaukee's Third Ward to preserve the Lo Duca Bros ghost sign and transform the otherwise unadorned north wall of Commission House into a permanent cultural anchor.
"Portal to the Past" Fully Funded
Thanks to our amazing community, we’ve officially raised all the funds needed to bring this historic landmark to life on the Commission House in the Third Ward.
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Look for work to begin on Monday, August 3, 2026. Muralist, John Kowalczyk and his team will be working from the ground up to make this 15,000 square foot mural a colorful reality!
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Bridging Generations Through Public Art
This large-scale mural will serve as a visual gateway to the historic Third Ward connecting our contemporary community with the vibrant produce market vendors, the wine and musical instraments of the LoDuca era, and the resilient spirit that rebuilt this district after the Great Milwaukee Fire of 1892.
Portal to the Past
Through a sophisticated palette of historic sepia tones, punctuated by pops of teal, muted greens, and rich splashes of red wine, the mural weaves the building’s industrial past into a modern reflection of the Third Ward’s history. This installation ensures the story of the makers, merchants, and music that built Milwaukee remains an indelible part of our skyline.
*All renderings are subject to change.