The Madison Public Market is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026, and work is now underway to begin installing some of the first pieces of art. When installations are complete, the Madison Public Market will showcase a vibrant collection of public artworks that reflect the diverse voices, histories, and cultures of the Madison community.
“Public art is essential to creating welcoming, inclusive public spaces that tell our community’s stories and invite meaningful engagement,” said Madison Public Market Chief Executive Officer Keisha Harrison in a press release.
(Photo: City of Madison)
The Madison Public Market will feature multiple murals and installations both indoors and outdoors. This week, exterior works are being installed in anticipation of the early 2026 Market opening.
The first works going up will include Elizah Leonard by Tom Jones, a professor of photography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who creates work that examines American Indian identity, experience, and perception; Axolotl & Alma by Issis Macias, the 2025 Latina Artist of the Year, and Rodrigo Carapia, a self-taught artist from Mexico City, who superimposes vivid imagery celebrating Mexican culture; and And Still, She Blossoms, a vibrant and engaging mural created by Madison La Follette and Middleton students under the guidance of La Follette teacher Monique Karlen for the 2020 Downtown Street Art & Mural Project.
(Photo: City of Madison)
The art installation will continue while vendors move into the building. Most of the public art will be in place for opening day, while some may be installed in spring 2026. Additional projected installations include:
- Huura Šgaach by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago
- A Visual Land Acknowledgement by Jim Terry
- Rainwater Cistern Wraps by Hello Madison
- Greetings, sculpture by Actual Size Artworks
- Sky Sail by Ash Armenta
Additional art pieces are in the works and will be announced at a later date, the City of Madison said.
