The statue was commissioned by Visit Milwaukee to capitalize on the show's cultural impact and boost local tourism.
Henry Winkler, the actor who portrayed Fonzie, attended the 2008 unveiling ceremony.
The statue is officially titled 'Bronze Fonz' but is sometimes colloquially referred to by locals as 'The Fonz'.
It is the first public statue of a television character to be commissioned by a tourism agency in the United States.
The sculpture weighs approximately 700 pounds.
The project cost roughly $85,000, funded entirely through private donations.
The location was specifically chosen to integrate public art into the Milwaukee Riverwalk pedestrian path.
The Bronze Fonz is a life-sized bronze sculpture of Arthur Fonzarelli, the iconic character from the television show Happy Days, located along the Milwaukee Riverwalk. Sculpted by Gerald P. Sawyer, the statue was unveiled in 2008 as a tribute to the city's connection to the fictional setting of the series. The figure stands with his signature thumbs-up gesture and leather jacket, reflecting the character's 1950s cultural influence. It serves as a prominent public art installation managed by the City of Milwaukee. The statue is anchored to a concrete pedestal and sits directly beside the Milwaukee River.
Stand directly in front of the statue to mimic the thumbs-up pose, or capture it from the opposite bank for a wider river shot.
Visit during the daylight hours to capture the best details of the bronze casting against the river background.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Milwaukee Riverwalk to see other public art installations.
Check the local river cruise schedules, as the statue offers a distinct vantage point for passing tour boats.
Do not attempt to climb or hang on the statue, as it is a public art installation prone to wear.
