2021 Leaning Towers
Leaning Into a New Public Art Experience
Niles has long been known for its most iconic landmark, a half-size replica of Pisa, Italy’s Leaning Tower. Located at 6300 W. Touhy, this 94-foot-high structure with 17th century bells ringing on the hour has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2021 the Village’s Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry are paying homage to this symbol of the community by hosting a new and exciting art experience. Local businesses sponsor 7-foot-high fiberglass replicas of the Leaning Tower of Niles, which are then uniquely designed by local artists. These “mini-Leaning Towers” can now be found all around town and personify Niles’ pride, creativity, and culture.
This program marks another example of how the Village’s Arts & Culture Master Plan is growing Niles as a hub for muralists, painters, sculptors, and musicians to express themselves and make their mark. Thank you to all of the businesses that participated in this program. It helps add so much community impact from local businesses and artists for the Village of Niles.
Get to Know the Towers
Sponsor: Saturn Title
Title: Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
Artist: Juan Cano
Title: Butterfly Cage
Artist: Isabella Guenther
Sponsor: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Title: Illinois, Not Italy
Artist: Carol Luc
Title: Starry Starry Leaning Tower
Artist: Ken Klopack
Title: Lean Into Community
Artist: Jennifer Scott
Title: Spire to the Stratosphere
Artist: Ginger Oakley
Title: Tower of Enchantment
Artist: Stephanie Greenberg
Title: Best Leaning Tower Aquarium
Artist: Andrew Kitzmiller
Title: Re/Max Balloons
Artist: Carly Derec-Boyle
Title: Crepuscular Cityscape
Artist: Sarah Genis
Title: Paschke Color, A Tribute to Ed Paschke
Artist: Alicja Pulit
Title: People Dancing, A Tribute to Roger Brown
Artist: Alicja Pulit
Title: Niles Police Tower
Artist: Notre Dame College Prep Art Teacher Michael Jankowski and his class
Title: TBA
Artist: TBD