Ran from Jul 23, 2004 to Mar 14, 2005
Brooks Stevens Gallery

The sleek information kiosks in upscale auto showrooms share a common heritage with bubbling beer signs in neighborhood pubs. Both are point-of-purchase (POP) displays, used worldwide to promote retailers' wares. Both also were likely made right here in Milwaukee. Our hometown emerged as a national center of POP design and manufacturing 50 years ago, propelled by the marketing needs of local breweries. Schlitz, Pabst and Blatz are long gone. But a cluster of innovative design firms keep Milwaukee in the POP forefront by using new technologies and materials to create an array of engaging, three-dimensional displays. Enjoy this outstanding survey of past and contemporary examples of Milwaukee POP design used 'round the world.