Exhibitions
A Century from Sopra Mare
March 16, 2024 – December 22, 2024
(Happening Now)
Uncover the hidden histories of the Villa Terrace — from private residence to iconic Milwaukee landmark.
Read MoreDyed Well
April 18, 2024 – October 13, 2024
(Happening Now)
"Dyed Well" is a survey exhibition highlighting the weaving and rug hooking practice of Wisconsin artist Emily ‘Emmy’ Robertson.
Read MoreEvents
Yoga at the Terrace: Winter Series
May 12, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join us on Sundays in the Villa's great hall from 9-10 a.m. for guided yoga led by a local yoga instructor.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
May 15, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreGretchen Colnik Brunch and Hat Show
May 18, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy brunch and a hat show with local milliners.
Read MoreYoga at the Terrace: Winter Series
May 19, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join us on Sundays in the Villa's great hall from 9-10 a.m. for guided yoga led by a local yoga instructor.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
May 19, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
May 22, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
May 29, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreSummer Yoga on the Terrace
June 02, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy a guided yoga session overlooking Lake Michigan.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
June 02, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
June 02, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
June 05, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreSummer Yoga on the Terrace
June 09, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy a guided yoga session overlooking Lake Michigan.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
June 09, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
June 09, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
June 12, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreSummer Yoga on the Terrace
June 16, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy a guided yoga session overlooking Lake Michigan.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
June 16, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
June 16, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
June 19, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreSummer Yoga on the Terrace
June 23, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy a guided yoga session overlooking Lake Michigan.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
June 23, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
June 23, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
June 26, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreSummer Yoga on the Terrace
June 30, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy a guided yoga session overlooking Lake Michigan.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
June 30, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
June 30, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
July 03, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
July 07, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
July 07, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
July 21, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
July 21, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
July 24, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
July 28, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
July 28, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
July 31, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
August 04, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
August 04, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
August 07, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
August 11, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
August 11, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
August 14, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
August 18, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
August 18, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
August 21, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
August 25, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
August 25, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
August 28, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
September 01, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
September 01, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
September 04, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
September 08, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
September 08, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
September 11, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
September 15, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
September 15, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
September 18, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
September 22, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
September 22, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
September 25, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreChess Class with Chessbox Academy
September 29, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn chess with Chessbox Academy teacher Kanei Jackson at the Villa.
Read MoreCafé Sopra Mare
September 29, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a musical performance in the Mercury Courtyard with coffee and tea. The perfect start to the new week!
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
October 02, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
October 09, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
October 16, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
October 23, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
October 30, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
November 06, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
November 13, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreWork from Home Wednesday: coworking session at the Villa
November 20, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Co-work at the Villa Terrace Art Museum with fellow remote workers on Wednesday afternoons.
Read MoreExplore Villa Terrace
Mercury Courtyard
The Mercury Courtyard is a charming cloister now dominated by the statue of Mercury, the mythical messenger of the gods. It’s surrounded by a vaulted loggia with Tuscan columns and grilled Italian windows.
Take a TourGreat Hall
The Great Hall was the Smiths’ family room and was often used to entertain guests. The ceiling beams in the room are Georgia Pecky Cypress with white, blue and yellow stenciling.
Take a TourDining Room
Like that of the Great Hall, the dining room's ceiling is made from beamed Georgia Pecky Cypress.
Take a TourLibrary
The Queen Anne-style wood paneling in the library is walnut and was installed by the Matthew Brothers of Milwaukee.
Take a TourColnik Collection
Overview
The Cyril Colnik exhibition, located in the second-floor south-wing galleries, is a showcase of metal works made by Milwaukee ironsmith Cyril Colnik (1871–1958).
Sconce
This sconce with three candleholders was constructed from a deer antler wrapped in iron.
Iron, deer antler 20 Inches high 1938
Masterpiece
Pictured is the centerpiece of a large grille that was Cyril Colnik’s “Masterpiece,” which demonstrated the mastery of metalworking techniques an apprentice was required to show to be named a master craftsman.
Iron 48 x 35 x 7.5 inches c. 1893
Dancing Dragon
This dynamic iron figure is dubbed the “Dancing Dragon.”
Iron 28 x 16 inches n.d.
Our Story
Lloyd and Agnes Smith
Lloyd Raymond Smith was born in 1883. He attended West Division High School in Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, before following his father into the family business — the A.O. Smith Corporation. Agnes Gram was born in 1893. Lloyd and Agnes married in 1915, two years after Lloyd had become president of A.O. Smith. It is said that Agnes wanted to build a unique house that reflected her love of architecture and design.
See the Whole StoryDavid Adler
The Smiths hired the renowned architect and Milwaukee native David Adler (1883–1949) to build their dream home. The idea to build a home in the style of a sixteenth-century Northern Italian villa came on a trip to Italy after their marriage in 1915. Choosing between two Milwaukee sites, they settled on its present location, with Adler reportedly saying, “Let Lake Michigan be my Mediterranean.” Fittingly, the original name for the home was Sopra Mare (“above the sea” in Italian).
See the Whole StoryRose Standish Nichols
Rose Standish Nichols (1872–1960) was a landscape architect, writer, suffragist, and peace activist. She collaborated with Villa Terrace architect David Adler on the design of the Sopra Mare garden and its water stairway, which were probably adapted from the layout of the sixteenth-century Villa Cicogna-Mozzoni garden that she described in her book, Italian Pleasure Gardens, published in 1928.
See the Whole StoryThe Villa Today
Today Villa Terrace and its Renaissance Garden are zoned as Milwaukee County parkland. Together, they serve the citizens of Milwaukee through the creation and promotion of local, regional and international visual and decorative arts, and a wide range of intergenerational community arts programming that includes theater, music, arts and crafts, creative writing, poetry, and gardening.
See the Whole StoryA.O. Smith Corp.
The story of the A.O. Smith Corporation is one of experimentation, research, and innovation. From humble beginnings as a small machine shop located in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood, to its growth into a global corporation, A.O. Smith was one of the first to put significant resources into research and development, constantly seeking out new technologies and their practical application for new products and services.
See the Whole StoryHost Your Event
From weddings that hearts remember to meetings that accomplish missions, Villa Terrace is the perfect place for your next event. The unparalleled beauty of a Mediterranean-style villa will surround your guests, as they appreciate tranquil views of Lake Michigan from the Terrazzo della Luna or stroll through the Renaissance Garden.