Miro's

In 1969, the Brunswick Corporation commissioned a sculpture design from Joan Miró. However, they decided not to proceed due to cost concerns. The bronze model of Miró's Chicago (shown below) is now part of the Milwaukee Art Museum collection.

Fast forward to 1979, when Jane Byrne, Chicago's first female mayor, pledged to secure funds for the sculpture, provided that 50% of the necessary funds could be sourced from other contributors. Thanks to donations from various institutions, foundations, and individuals, construction began.

Miró, in a gesture of support, donated his design to the city, specifying the names of the contributors. The City of Chicago contributed $250,000, while the bulk of the funding came from other generous donors.