For many visitors, a trip to Milwaukee is incomplete without taking a selfie with an icon. The statue known as the Bronze Fonz celebrates the smoothest of fictional Wisconsin television characters – Arthur Fonzarelli, a.k.a., Fonzie. But the story of this smooth character has had a few bumps – here’s what you need to know about Wisconsin’s quirkiest attraction.
The story of the statue truly begins in 1974, when the sitcom Happy Days premiered on the ABC network. It was set in Milwaukee and it was a huge hit, with 255 episodes over 11 seasons.
Google / Neil Weitzel
The series featured the character Fonzie, a smooth high school dropout who donned a black leather jacket. The character was played by actor Henry Winkler and the character became one of the most-merchandised characters of the 1970s.
Google / Streve Wille
Needless to say, Milwaukee was proud. Decades passed, but the city never forgot its Fonz. But one day, a proposal surfaced that made a lot of people say, “Aaay."
Google / Robin Yep
Visit Milwaukee, the city’s tourism promotional organization, spent $75,000 to commission a statue commemorating the icon. It stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall, just like Henry Winkler.
Google / Nancy Cozart
Not everyone was a fan – when it was proposed, the statue has opponents like the executive director of Milwaukee Artist Resource Network and the CEO of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Nature has also been hard on the Fonz – it has to be temporarily removed for maintenance in 2022.
Google / Rolf Jundt
But nothing can stop the Fonz. You’ll find him down on the Riverwalk, sporting a classic grin. Pay him a visit and take a selfie – but be warned, you may need to wait your turn. He’s a popular guy!
Google / Robin Yep
You’ll find the Bronze Fonz right on Milwaukee’s RiverWalk, just south of Wells Street. Learn more on the Visit Milwaukee website. Once you’ve visited the Fonz, here are some more must-see landmarks in Milwaukee.
Google / Neil Weitzel
Google / Streve Wille
Google / Robin Yep
Google / Nancy Cozart
Google / Rolf Jundt
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Address: Bronze Fonz by Gerald P. Sawyer, N Riverwalk Way, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
