Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum was designed and built in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa by architect David Adler in 1923. The building was originally the residence of former A.O. Smith president, Lloyd Smith, and his family. The museum features fine and decorative arts dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik, the Renaissance Garden, and changing exhibitions.

The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum includes furnishings and works of art from the 15th through the 18th centuries. The mansion was originally the family residence of Lloyd R. Smith, president of the A.O. Smith Company. It was designed and built in 1923 by renowned architect, David Adler, in the style of a 16th century Northern Italian villa. It was originally called Sopra Mare, which means "Above The Sea."

The newly redesigned Cyril Colnik exhibition is an updated interpretation of the life and work of a late 19th/early 20th century Artisan Blacksmith The display features the tools of a blacksmith shop, complete with forge, anvil and blacksmithing tools. Also included are reproduction and original photos, drawings and blueprints from our Cyril Colnik Archive. New storyboards will lead you through the process of forging and repousse step by step, to help you understand Colnik's fiery creation process.

From weddings that hearts remember to meetings that accomplish missions, the Villa Terrace is the perfect place for your next event. The unparalleled beauty of a Mediterranean-style villa will surround your guests as they appreciate tranquil views of Lake Michigan from the Terrace de Luna or stroll through the Renaissance Garden. The rental areas of the Villa Terrace include the Great Room, Terrace de Luna and the Renaissance Garden.

Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Renaissance Garden at Villa Terrace recreates the classic elements of a 16th century Tuscan landscape while accommodating the vagaries of the Wisconsin Climate. Rose Standish Nichols designed the original villa gardens in collaboration with the home’s architect David Adler. In 1997, the Friends of Villa Terrace led by landscape architect Dennis Buettner created a restoration plan to revive the garden, focusing on the classical elements of the original landscape.