Inflatable, 20-foot rainbow arcs are coming to downtown Milwaukee this summer

Claire Reid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·3 min read

Remember the giant, inflatable bubbles outside downtown Milwaukee's Marcus Performing Arts Center last summer?

Well, another technicolor, inflatable public art installation is coming to the same spot this July.

"Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT" returns to Milwaukee with "Elysian Arcs" ― five massive, 20-foot-high rainbow arcs, perfect for staging your next Instagram post. The arcs were created by Atelier Sisu, the same Australian design studio behind last summer's bubbles.

MPAC and Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District No. 21 are teaming up to bring the arcs to the U.S. for the first time. The exhibit will feature five nights of free live performances, food trucks and more.

Here's what to know about "Elysian Arcs," how to see them and how to get in on all the "Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT" fun.

Giant, 20-foot inflatable arcs are coming to downtown Milwaukee's Marcus Performing Arts Center outdoor grounds in July.
Giant, 20-foot inflatable arcs are coming to downtown Milwaukee's Marcus Performing Arts Center outdoor grounds in July.

When can I see the giant, inflatable 'Elysian Arcs' in Milwaukee?

"Elysian Arcs" will be on display on MPAC's outdoor grounds from Tuesday, July 23 through Saturday, July 27. The art installation is free and open to the public.

What are the 'Elysian Arcs'?

The five, 20-foot-tall, inflatable rainbow arcs create an "outdoor immersive light and sound installation," according to a news release from MPAC.

The sculptures are made from a color-reflecting dichroic film that reacts to changes in light, "causing a rainbow of reflections and a unique picture from every angle," the release states. "Internal illumination brings the sculpture to life at night. A choreographed light display is accompanied by a unique soundscape, making the space a fully immersive experience."

Who created 'Elysian Arcs'?

The arcs were created by the Sydney, Australia-based art practice Atelier Sisu, led by Peruvian sculptor and industrial designer Renzo B. Larriviere and spatial architect and artist Zara Pasfield.

According to their website, the pair works with a "multi-disciplinary team" to create experiential environments, installations and sculptures.

"Their direction of work sits between the fields of art and architecture ... with particular focus in the realm of public art ...," the website says. "Each public artwork aims to provide a unique spatial experience for its visitors, while also contributing to the visual identity of a place."

The "Elysian Arcs" were created by the Sydney, Australia-based design studio Atelier Sisu. Their visit to Milwaukee in July will be the installation's first time in the U.S.
The "Elysian Arcs" were created by the Sydney, Australia-based design studio Atelier Sisu. Their visit to Milwaukee in July will be the installation's first time in the U.S.

What is the inspiration behind 'Elysian Arcs'?

"Elysian," an adjective, means "beautiful or creative, divinely inspired," MPAC's release says. The art installation represents finding the beauty in adapting to change and chaos.

"The world is at the precipice of change. This change can be felt from all directions, from climatic influences, political feuds, economic fluctuations and social pressures," the release states. "As a global community of humans, we throw ourselves into this convergence of change with a feeling of resilience, determination and hope."

A temporary, inflatable structure, Elysian is "efficient and adaptable to its surroundings."

"Art plays an important role in enriching the everyday life," the release continues. "Amongst so much seemly chaos, it is important now, more than ever to find joy in the everyday, to find moments of wonder that excite our inherent curiosity."

Two people take a photo under the Elysian Arcs installation at night. Photography by Chris Cooper/ ShotAway/ www.ShotAway.com/ #shotawaydotcom
Two people take a photo under the Elysian Arcs installation at night. Photography by Chris Cooper/ ShotAway/ www.ShotAway.com/ #shotawaydotcom

What else is going on at 'Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT'?

In addition to taking Instagram-worthy photos under the arcs, there is more to do at "Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT." Each of the five nights will feature free, public live music from local and regional artists. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. nightly. Additional details on artists performing will be released in the coming weeks.

There will also be vendor markets, food trucks and other activities on site. A special "Family Day" will take place on Saturday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Where can I see the 'Elysian Arcs'?

The arcs will be on display outside the Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee.

Click here to visit the Marcus Performing Arts Center website and learn more about "Elysian Arcs."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to see 20-foot, inflatable rainbow arcs in Milwaukee this summer