Beer Can House facts for kids
The Beer Can House is a famous example of folk art located in the Rice Military neighborhood of Houston, Texas. This unique house is completely covered with flattened beverage cans, bottle caps, and other recycled materials. It stands as one of Houston's most interesting and unusual sights.
The creator of this amazing house was a man named John Milkovisch. He spent years decorating his home at 222 Malone Street. It is believed that he used over 50,000 cans to complete his project.
A One-of-a-Kind Creation
John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for a railroad, began transforming his home in 1968. Instead of just decorating the house, he started with his yard. He got tired of cutting the grass, so he decided to cover his entire front and back yards with concrete.
But he didn't stop there. He embedded thousands of marbles, rocks, and metal shapes into the concrete. This created colorful and unique patios, fences, and flower boxes. When asked why he covered his yard, he famously said, "I got sick of mowing the grass."
Decorating with Cans
After finishing the yard, Milkovisch turned his attention to the house itself. He began covering the walls with flattened aluminum cans, creating a shiny, metallic siding. He also made long, dangling curtains from the can lids and tabs. These curtains make a soft chiming sound when the wind blows. The entire project shows how everyday objects can be turned into a work of art.
The House Today
John Milkovisch passed away in the 1980s, but his creation lives on. Today, the Beer Can House is owned and managed by The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. This non-profit group works to protect and share amazing works of art like the Beer Can House with the public. They make sure the house is taken care of so that people can visit and be inspired by it for years to come.
In 2010, the comedy news website Cracked.com called John Milkovisch one of the "awesomest" guys ever for his creative vision. The house remains a popular tourist attraction and a beloved piece of Houston's history.
See also
- List of public art in Houston
- Tin can wall
