The “Bronze Fonz” is a life-sized painted bronze statue on the Milwaukee Riverwalk in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It pays homage to a popular sitcom character from the “Happy Days” show that was set in 1950s Milwaukee. Enabling connection with audiences on an especially personal level, the statue has drawn attention to the entire area thanks to the imaginative approach it took to enabling engagement and cultivating interest.
From TV Land to VISIT Milwaukee
Originally part of a nationwide campaign sponsored by TV Land to create statues of old television characters in various locations, the VISIT Milwaukee visitor’s bureau championed the idea after TV Land dropped their support. Once the appropriate funds were raised partly on account of the sale of shirts and thumbs up cookies, the five feet, six inches tall statue of the character Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “Fonzie,” was completed. Donors also had their names immortalized in a marker by the piece, which depicts the character giving a two-handed thumbs up gesture, as he often did on “Happy Days”.
The actor who portrayed Fonzie, Henry Winkler, made an appearance at the dedication alongside other stars from the TV show. This provided an additional connection with the community, as a local business used the opportunity to present a check for a literacy program in honor of the charity work that Winkler has done with children.
Some were opposed to the idea of creating a statue dedicated to this sort of pop culture figure, believing it could negatively impact Milwaukee’s image. However, the connections it has made with residents and visitors are notable. Showcased as a landmark in various maps and guides of the city, it has been actively embraced by the community. During the summer months, the Fonz has patio furniture set out so visitors can lounge and enjoy his stretch of the Riverwalk. The location and size of the piece allows visitors to pose right next to it.
Questions about taste, ideology and perception always come up with monuments that are connected to specific people or concepts. They’re often addressed with the physical interactions and interest in these sorts of pieces that don’t happen with any other type of landmark. These connections ensure that the Bronze Fonz will continue to attract the attention of audiences in the present and future.
Newly Defining a Legacy for Milwaukee
Monuments of all types enable engagement on multiple levels but the imaginative way that the Bronze Fonz has done so showcases what it can mean to do so in a wholly distinct manner. Doing so has enabled a brand new legacy for Milwaukee that will continue to evolve as the community and space does.
