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Home , Attilio Piccirilli, Audrey Munson, Daniel Chester French, Isidore Konti, Karl Bitter

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Model , opposite page, poses with Buzzer the cat in 1915. Daniel ’s MADISON’S gilded bronze statue, left, is raised at the before being installed atop the dome. 7

ARNOLD GENTHE WHI9566

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The woman behind one of the city’s most iconic statues was a legend in her time before being almost entirely forgotten. With renewed attention from another Madison landmark, Audrey Munson is sparking inspiration again Muse and regaining her spot in the city’s history. : by KATIE VAUGHN 70 MADISONMAGAZINE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2019 SEPTEMBER 2019 | MADISONMAGAZINE.COM 71 SPONSORED FEATURE SPONSORED FEATURE

Alexander Calder was chosen as the di- rector of for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the World’s Fair INTERTWINED held in 1915 in , he brought HISTORIES along his favorite model. Munson posed for three-fifths of the made for 1891: Audrey Marie Munson is the event, earning the new nickname of born in Rochester, . “Panama-Pacific Girl.” As Munson’s fame soared, she returned to acting, this time in California for the emerging motion picture industry. She starred in four silent films and shocking- ly appeared fully nude in “Inspiration,” in which she played a sculptor’s model. Then Munson moved back to the East 1909: The Three Graces by Coast and became part of high society, but , Munson’s first her good fortune soon took a sharp turn. acknowledged modeling In 1919, the owner of the boarding credit, is unveiled in the new Grand Ballroom of the Hotel house where Munson and her mother Astor in . were living murdered his wife with the intent to marry Munson, with whom he 1914: Wisconsin, the was obsessed. While Munson denied any sculpture for which Munson (Clockwise from left) romantic involvement with the man, who posed, is completed for the Wisconsin from her perch ti’s Three Graces, sculptures which de- top of the Wisconsin state above the city. Munson in her buted in the Hotel Astor’s new grand ball- was sentenced to death but hanged him- Capitol dome. second film, “Purity.” Munson room in 1909. She modeled for all three self in his prison cell, the boarding house posing at the American “Flying graces in the hotel, set in ’s scandal coincided with the abrupt end of 1919: Conrad Hilton pur- A” Studio in Santa Barbara chases his first hotel in Times Square. her modeling career. circa 1916-1917. Bronze door Cisco, Texas. to Greenhut Mausoleum by Munson posed for Daniel Chester The following years were tough for sculptor Robert Ingersoll French, who sculpted Wisconsin in 1913 Munson, who sought the limelight but Aitken features Munson’s form. and 1914 for the top of the State Capitol was no longer awarded it. In 1922, at the dome. French had already created the age of 31, Munson attempted suicide by statue of President Abraham Lincoln at drinking bichloride of mercury. Nine the in Washington, D.C., years later, her mother had her commit- and made the gold-gilded bronze Wiscon- ted to a psychiatric asylum, the St. Law- sin, measuring 15 feet, 5 inches tall, and rence State Hospital for the Insane, in Og- densburg, New York. Munson remained

7 weighing more than 3 tons, in honor of the he stands stately and elegantly atop the Wisconsin State Capitol. troduced him to his art friends, sparking 1925: The first Hilton hotel

there for 65 years, until her death in 1996

GETTY IMAGES; VVVV;GETTY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; state motto of “Forward.” French also used Munson’s role as muse and forever chang- opens in Dallas, Texas. Sun glints off her golden robes as she presides over her city, taller Munson’s form in roughly a dozen other at the age of 104. than any downtown buildings that surround her. ing the course of her life. In the year before her suicide attempt, works, including sculptures at the Metro- 1996: Munson dies in Og- For Munson, it was a case of being in Madison schoolchildren learn about the statue named Wis- politan Museum of Art and the Munson revealed the anguish of being so densburg, New York, at the the right place at the right time. Long- consin, and how she points her right hand eastward toward Lake Museum in New York. beloved and then abandoned. In a series age of 104. limbed and classically beautiful, she was Monona, holds a globe with an eagle perched atop in her left The following year brought a career of articles published in Hearst’s Sunday a perfect fit for artists and architects who 1997: The Frank Lloyd hand and wears a helmet adorned with grapes and a badger. But highlight for Munson. When famed artist Magazine’s newspaper supplements, she few people realize the statue’s commanding form was based on a adhered to Beaux-Arts ideals and were Wright-designed Monona shared stories of her career and reflec- Terrace Community and real woman. And even fewer know her glamorous and tragic story. prolific during America’s building boom. tions on her experiences. Convention Center opens. That’s changing. Munson posed for muralists, painters, “What becomes of the artists’ mod- The inspiration for the timeless image of Wisconsin was Audrey Munson. Considered illustrators and photographers, often as a els?,” she wrote. “I am wondering if 2001: The Hilton Madison S Quick Fact: Monona Terrace opens. “America’s first supermodel,” Munson’s graceful form is immortalized in bronze and goddess or allegorical figure, but her most

many of my readers have not stood be- COMMONS WIKIMEDIA HILTON; OF COURTESY The statue named Wisconsin isn’t Audrey Munson’s stone across the country, including roughly two dozen sculptures in New York City and significant work was with sculptors. Her

fore a masterpiece of lovely sculpture or 7 only presence in the tate Capitol. Liberty Supported by 2019: The Hilton Madison three in Madison. form appears on coins, as freestanding a remarkable painting of a young girl, her the Law, completed in 1910, is a granite sculpture by Monona Terrace unveils its Munson was born in 1891 in Rochester, New York, and as a teenager moved with her statues and carved into the walls and fa- very abandonment of draperies accentu- first top-to-bottom renova- mother to New York City to pursue an acting career. She appeared on a handful çades of libraries, museums, courthouses, set in the east pediment, while The Learn- ating rather than diminishing her mod- tion, including The Audrey, of times, but fate had other plans in store for her. state capitols and municipal buildings ing of the World, a granite work by esty and purity, and asked themselves a restaurant and bar in- spired by Audrey Munson. The story goes that one day while Munson was shopping on Fifth Avenue, photogra- around the country. from 1915, is part of the north pediment. Why not try the question, ‘Where is she now, this pher Felix Benedict Herzog “discovered” her. He asked her to pose for him and soon in- Her first credited work is Isidore Kon- to find all three on your next visit to the Capitol? model who was so beautiful?’”

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A NEW VISION More than a dozen works by Wisconsin artists While Munson’s legacy lives on in the grace the walls, shelves and even ceilings of the works of art she inspired, her story also Art Spotting revamped Madison Hilton. Keep your eyes open for: influenced an iconic Madison hotel in rei- magining its future. Since the Hilton Madison Monona Ter- • Two original fine art prints by Dale race opened in 2001, next to the Monona Chihuly in the lobby Terrace Community and Convention Cen- ter and in between Lake Monona and the Wisconsin State Capitol, the hotel has brought elegance to the city center. But this year, on the 100th anniversary of Conrad Hilton’s family’s initial foray into the hotel business, the Madison hotel unveils its first extensive redesign. All 240 guestrooms and suites, as well as the hotel’s restaurant and public spac- • Sculptural buoys by Brian es, have been remodeled and reinterpret- Kluge in The Audrey restaurant ed, and the results are not only stunning, but also more acutely tailored to the needs and desires of today’s business and leisure travelers than ever before. The fresh approach is evident from the moment guests step through the revolv- ing front door and into the airy, art-filled Diners at The Audrey, above, enjoy lobby. This open space contains the free- shareable small plates; a lithograph standing check-in desk and comfortable by Barry Roal Carlsen sits behind places to sit by a fireplace, and flows into a them. Ceramic buoys by Brian Kluge, right. The Hilton’s reimagined lobby, • Emily Arthur’s depiction of cranes sleek new bar and restaurant. below, is equally suited for work, on the ceiling of The Audrey Gone are the days when hotel guests conversation and relaxation. • Eric Thomas Wolever’s abstract- ed boats on the ceiling of the lobby

segment their activities — meals, busi- dents alike — won’t regret lingering over ness, networking, relaxing — to specific a meal at The Audrey Kitchen + Bar. The 7 bank of tall windows creates a light-filled spaces. The Madison Hilton now flexes TIMOTHY HUGHES (ALL PHOTOS) with visitors’ needs. Looking for a place restaurant and that luminance is carried to get some work done? Want to mingle out in radiant shades of blue, from pat- with colleagues before a dinner event or terned rugs to cozy banquettes to vel- grab a bite between conference sessions vety sapphire-hued chairs. And the menu or excursions in the city? Guests can set takes a similar contemporary-meets-clas- up their laptops, chat or order a shareable sic approach to breakfast, lunch, dinner • Paintings of nature scenes by Deb Gottschalk and digital prints showing small plate or round of Wisconsin craft and snacks. scenes of Wisconsin by John S. Miller brews in multiple spots over the hotel’s With The Audrey’s menus, executive flank the Audrey restaurant fireplace open-concept main floor. chef Jeff Orr emphasizes small plates and “Everything is free to use however you shareable dishes. And Linda Snyder has like,” says general manager Skip Harless. done the same with the hotel’s interior Indeed, flexibility, convenience and design. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s comfort are at the heart of the hotel’s connection to the city and Madison’s changes. Room service is available 24 natural environment, Snyder has created hours a day, and a grab-and-go market a beautiful backdrop for showcasing art • Meghan Sullivan’s installation of 100 near the front desk is also open around the — featuring more than a dozen works by ceramic flowers be- clock, meaning guests can pick up coffee Wisconsin artists. hind the front desk and healthy snacks no matter what time “Absolutely I consider the artwork to their flight gets in or first meeting starts. be the focus and the highlight of the pub- But hotel guests — and Madison resi- lic spaces,” Snyder says.

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Whether dining solo or Rows of sculptural ceramic buoys, with friends, small plates paired with a local brew, crafted by Madison artist Brian Kluge, add left, are a winning choice. color, texture and interest to the restau- rant, while Appleton artist Meghan Sul- livan’s installation of 100 ceramic flowers cheese with butterkase, gruyere and behind the check-in desk subtly suggests sarvecchio — this is Wisconsin, after all. how memories change with time. And a Heartier entrées — fried chicken, pan- pair of prints by Dale Chihuly, the inter- roasted Alaskan halibut, grilled hanger nationally acclaimed glass artist and Uni- steak — are offered after 5 p.m. And versity of Wisconsin-Madison alumnus, all dishes complement the restaurant’s hangs over two chairs in the lobby. thoughtful beverage menu, which features Even the ceiling is gallery space. Set more than 70 beers, many from Madison- into the coffers of the lobby and restau- area brewers like New Glarus, Karben 4, rant are large-scale works including ab- One Barrel Brewing and Ale Asylum. stracted boats by Eric Thomas Wolever The bar nods most specifically to its and colorful cranes by Emily Arthur. inspiration, Audrey Munson, with its spe- While the hotel’s new public spaces cialty cocktails. The “Miss” Manhattan, are energizing, changes to the revamped Panama Pacific and The Gilded Lady pay guestrooms emphasize relaxation and homage to the model through creative ease. Everything is new and fresh, with and flavorful concoctions. soothing gray walls, crisp white bed lin- But if you ask Chef Orr for recommen- ens and upgraded bathrooms with walk- The Hilton standard king- “Guests want their hotel rooms to feel dations, he’ll point to his personal fa- in tile showers in king bedrooms and bed room, above, boasts all like their house,” explains Harless. “And vorites — the North African spiced lamb the comforts of home—plus bathtubs in rooms with two queen beds. a stunning view of Lake the new Hilton provides an experience meatballs and the chilled soba noodle Technology is also a focus — guest- Monona. The Liberty Room, that can rival the comforts of home.” salad with grilled shrimp. rooms now feature a multitude of power below, offers a beautiful “People are tuning into the small plates,” new way to gather and outlets and charging stations, and 55-inch celebrate in Madison. he says. “They’re trying a little of this and a smart TVs allow guests to stream their A SPECIAL little of that. The experience is great on your own content on the big screens. It’s small

TIMOTHY HUGHES (ALL PHOTOS) (ALL HUGHES TIMOTHY SPACE own and even better with a group.” changes like these that make all the dif-

7 The last-but-not-least component of the ference to travelers. Hilton’s revamp is the Liberty Room, which replaces the Capitol Chophouse in location but presents an entirely new concept in spirit. The space on the northeastern corner of the hotel, which still boasts the historic façade of the Madison Catholic Diocese building from 1938, is now an elegant gathering space full of potential — for Inspired Dining weddings, private dinners, meetings and events that deserve a special touch. LEGENDARY MODEL AUDREY MUNSON SPARKS A MENU OF SHAREABLE DISHES AND MODERN FLAVORS. The 1,900-square-foot space opened in August and can accommodate up to 120 Chef Jeff Orr (pictured, inset) is no stranger to Madison’s thriving culinary scene. He has guests, with a private street entrance and helmed such local standouts as Harvest and Osteria Papavero, and trained some of the pre-function area for privacy and exclu- city’s best chefs. But at The Audrey Kitchen + Bar, he gives Hilton guests a compelling sivity, plus an outdoor patio to enjoy in reason not to go out on the town for dinner. the warmer months. The restaurant, which replaces the hotel’s longstanding Capitol Chophouse as the This private event space is named for in-house eatery, opened in May with a fresh and more flexible concept to satisfy what THE MUSE another Wisconsin work that Audrey modern travelers crave. One of The Audrey’s specialty Munson inspired. Carved in Bethel Ver- “There are more opportunities for guests to eat on their own terms,” says Orr, who is cocktails inspired by model Audrey mont granite on the east pediment of the classically trained in French cuisine. Munson, this delightfully pink drink State Capitol, Karl Bitter’s Liberty Sup- That plays out in a contemporary menu of snacks and small plates, sandwiches and combines Milagro Silver tequila and ported by the Law scene rests below Wis- Ouzo #12 with fresh ginger, fresh lime consin’s eastward gaze. salads that draws flavors from around the world. Diners can choose from fried cauli- juice, chambord and simple syrup. flower with lemon and green olives, ale-marinated chicken wings with yakitori sauce Order this elegant sipper and raise a For more information on the Hilton Madison and a house-smoked brisket sandwich, or opt for fried cheese curds or an elevated grilled glass to the rediscovered icon! visit our website at www.hiltonmadison.com

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