Mercury Courtyard

The Mercury Courtyard is a charming cloister now dominated by the statue of Mercury, messenger of the gods. Underfoot, is an intricate mosaic of dark blue and white stones from the lakefront below. Prior to the courtyard's completion, the Smith children were tasked with collecting these stones from the lakefront below. The courtyard is surrounded by vaulted loggia with Tuscan columns and grilled Italian windows. Each parterre is planted with a different species of ground cover. The loggia is enhanced with seasonal plants displayed in terracotta pots imported from Italy, including a large fig tree.

At the center of the courtyard stands a statue of Mercury. It is not original to the courtyard and was erected in 1967. The statue had been loaned to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, but then was put up for sale at the Royal-Athena Galleries in New York City. The Villa Terrace Garden Club purchased the statue and donated it to the Villa and people of Milwaukee.

Photography by Kevin Miyazaki.