Century Walk | Naperville

Century Walk is a public art initiative and open-air cultural experience located in Naperville, Illinois, featuring more than 50 works of art displayed throughout the city’s downtown and surrounding areas. Founded in 1996 as a nonprofit organization, the Century Walk Corporation has worked to tell the story of Naperville’s past and present through sculptures, murals, mosaics, reliefs, and mixed media installations—all placed in public spaces.

Its mission is to celebrate the city’s heritage and diversity, offering a self-guided, walkable art tour that captures significant people, events, and values from the city's more than 180-year history.

Background and Purpose

Century Walk began with the goal of installing 100 public artworks over 100 years, using art as a medium to honor Naperville’s historical development, civic accomplishments, and cultural identity. While modeled loosely after similar urban public art projects, Century Walk is distinct in that it reflects Naperville-specific stories—often created with community involvement, funded by donations and partnerships with local government and businesses.

Each piece is placed in high-visibility pedestrian locations, with signage, QR codes, or audio guides to enhance the educational experience.

Thematic Focus

The artwork falls into several categories:

Business and Industry: Representing Naperville’s early entrepreneurial efforts.

Community Life: Depicting everyday life and values from different eras.

Education and Innovation: Celebrating the role of learning and progress.

Public Service: Honoring police, firefighters, veterans, and civil leaders.

Diversity and Inclusion: Highlighting the city’s multicultural growth.

Youth and Athletics: Acknowledging achievements of local students and athletes.

Notable Artworks

Here are some of the key installations:

1. Naperville Loves a Parade (2012)
Location: South Wall of Rubins Way, near 255 S Main Street
A massive, vibrant mural that captures the spirit of a community parade. It features over 300 local residents, painted in lifelike detail. Inspired by Norman Rockwell, this is one of the most iconic and beloved pieces in the collection.

2. The Way We Were (2005)
Location: Alleyway off Washington Street
This mural presents a view of downtown Naperville as it appeared in the 1960s, showing storefronts, cars, and fashion of that era, offering a nostalgic look back at mid-20th-century life.

3. Century Walk (1999)
Location: Nichols Library, Jackson and Webster
This bronze sidewalk installation by Gregg LeFevre includes 36 bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalk, each representing a historical theme or local milestone. It serves as a visual timeline of Naperville’s evolution.

4. Ladder of Light (2018)
Location: Firemen’s Memorial Park, 1072 W. Jefferson Avenue
A nighttime installation honoring four firefighters who died in a 1970 fire truck accident. Twin beams of vertical light represent the rails of a ladder, symbolizing both heroism and loss.

5. Naperville Notable Athletes Mural (2021)
Location: Exterior of Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Celebrates 15 of Naperville’s most recognized athletes across a range of sports, including Olympic medalists and NFL players. The artwork promotes inclusivity and community pride.

6. World War II Memorial (2003)
Location: Central Park
A tribute to Naperville residents who served in World War II. It includes engraved names and a bronze sculpture symbolizing resilience and sacrifice.

7. Streaming History (2013)
Location: Naperville Public Library – Nichols branch
A mixed-media mosaic installation representing the flow of time and information, celebrating libraries as centers of knowledge and public service.

Art Experience

Visitors can explore the Century Walk collection on foot, using:

Printed maps

QR codes located at each artwork

Audio tours accessible via smartphones

Interactive online guides that include artist bios, historical context, and behind-the-scenes details

The art is placed in pedestrian-friendly corridors of Downtown Naperville, with several works also located in public parks, civic buildings, and educational institutions throughout the city.

Artist Involvement

Century Walk has commissioned work from over 45 artists, many of whom are nationally recognized. Artists work in close collaboration with city historians, community members, and local schools to ensure authenticity and relevance.

Artists include:

Marla Hand – muralist for “Naperville Loves a Parade”

Bill Cooper – known for his realistic bronze sculptures

Gregg LeFevre – urban designer and public artist

Bart Gunderson – contributing to several reliefs and architectural sculptures

Community Engagement

The project thrives on local support and participation:

Many artworks were crowdfunded through local donations

Residents were used as models or featured directly in the artworks

Local students and artists frequently participate in workshops and unveiling ceremonies

The Century Walk also collaborates with organizations such as:

Naperville Park District

Downtown Naperville Alliance

Naperville Heritage Society

Veterans' groups

Naperville schools and colleges

Location and Access

Headquarters:
34 W. Chicago Avenue, Suite B
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: (630) 355-5555

Most of the installations are outdoors and freely accessible year-round. Some are in semi-public or private buildings and are viewable during standard business hours.

Conclusion

Century Walk is more than a collection of art—it’s a permanent, growing tribute to Naperville’s community spirit, designed to bring history, art, and storytelling into public spaces. Whether you're a visitor, resident, or student, the experience offers both a cultural journey and a civic legacy that continues to expand.