GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A new piece of interactive public art is now part of Green Bay’s riverfront, inviting people to stop, sit and even swing.
The sculpture — a green, boat-shaped swing with two seats — was unveiled Friday along the Fox River at the Neville Public Museum. Designed by Minnesota artist Greg Mueller, the piece blends the city’s history with a playful, hands-on experience.
Mueller said the idea for the sculpture was inspired by Green Bay’s connection to the water.
“I wanted to speak to Green Bay and the Fox Riverfront, and the first thing that came to mind was vessels, boats, ships,” he said. “Then I thought of something playful.”
The emerald green color of the sculpture is also intentional, a nod to the “emerald waters” once described by French explorers, combined with inspiration from Green Bay’s paper and packaging industry.
But beyond its design, Mueller said the goal was simple: create something people can actually use.
“The main thing was something people could engage with rather than just walk by,” he said. “The playful energy with the swing became the touchstone of the piece.”
The sculpture was selected through a national call for artists, with Green Bay leaders looking for a piece that would fit the space and encourage interaction.
Brian Johnson, executive director of On Broadway, said adding interactive elements like this helps bring new life to public spaces.
“Anytime you go to downtowns, you want activity, you want things to do,” Johnson said. “When you see spaces like this that sit dormant, it’s exciting to bring something in that allows people to engage with each other.”
The project is part of a broader effort to expand public art in Green Bay. Over the past decade, On Broadway has contributed more than $1 million directly to artists, aiming to create a more vibrant and active downtown.
For Mueller, the unveiling also marked a return to the city and a chance to see people finally interacting with the piece.
“We got it in place before Christmas,” he said. “It’s great to come back in the spring and see people actually using it.”
City leaders say more public art projects could be on the way as Green Bay continues investing in its riverfront and downtown spaces.
