Public Art is Coming to Downtown Downers Grove

May 04, 2026

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Join us at Coffee with the Council on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for a Community Visioning & Listening Session about the initial phase of the Public Art program.

logo Village of Downers Grove with Public Art

Something exciting is taking shape in Downers Grove. Construction on new Flexible Amenity Areas downtown begins this summer, bringing enhanced seating areas, new green space, and the introduction of public art.

As part of the Village’s Guiding DG Streetscapes Plan , public art is being incorporated into the design of four downtown Flexible Amenity Areas. These high-traffic spaces are key gathering places where people dine, shop and connect.

  1. Linda Kunze Plaza
  2. Main Street & Burlington Avenue
  3. Main Street & Curtiss Street
  4. West side of Main Street


The goal is simple: Create spaces that are not only functional, but also beautiful and uniquely Downers Grove.

Community Visioning & Listening Session

The Village is partnering with Sculpture Milwaukee, a nationally recognized leader in public art curation and installation, to engage the public through workshops and other proven approaches used by communities with public art programs.

Join Sculpture Milwaukee as they lead a Community Visioning & Listening Session at this month's Coffee With the Council.

WHEN: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Linda Kunze Plaza (Main Street Train Station)

This is your opportunity to:

  1. Share what types of public art you would like to see
  2. Offer ideas and inspiration
  3. Help guide the look and feel of future installations

Public Art Program

To ensure each piece reflects the character of the community, the Village has developed guiding principles for art selection. Public art in Downers Grove will aim to be:

  1. Is Relative to Downers Grove, Unique to Downers Grove
  2. Is Authentic and Timeless
  3. Is Vibrant, Attractive
  4. Is Welcoming and Inclusive to All Visitors
  5. Is Suitable for Viewing by All Ages
  6. Creates Placemaking and Sense of Belonging
  7. Reflects a Balance between Tradition and Progress
  8. Is Durable, Resilient in Design & Composition, Withstands Extreme Weather
  9. Looks Great All Year
  10. Requires Little Maintenance
  11. Fits On or In the Art Space within the Flexible Amenity Areas
  12. Is of an Appropriate Scale for Its Location
  13. Is Non-Controversial - Avoids Negative Attention
  14. Allows for Interaction with the Public
  15. Is suitable/desirable for Photos and Posting on Social Media