The mission of the Friends of Villa Terrace (FOVT) is to care for the Renaissance Garden and support the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.

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FOVT was founded in 1990. In 1997, the Friends set about to restore the Villa’s garden, with a focus on the original plans. Wisconsin landscape architect Dennis Buettner was entrusted with the design. He researched historical Greek and Roman outdoor spaces to create a Renaissance Garden on the shores of Lake Michigan.

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A $1.75 million fundraising campaign by the Friends brought his vision to an impactful reality. The garden reopened in 2002.

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The Friends solely support the Renaissance Garden, relying on volunteers and donors. FOVT’s main financial support comes from the Villa Terrace Gala in the Garden fundraiser held every other summer.

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Other reoccurring Friends’ fundraisers include Della Robbia — the annual holiday party, the Spring Garden Lectures, and on alternate summers Villa Luna, which celebrates the full moon rising over Villa Terrace.

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In addition, the Friends host a variety of events, including children’s educational activities, theater performances, cooking demonstrations and design presentations.

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Donations and volunteers are always needed and welcome to support the Friends maintain and preserve this unique piece of Milwaukee for generations to come.