Positioned in close proximity to the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a park set in 11 acres of beautiful land in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is among the biggest urban sculpture gardens in the United States. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is operated by the Walker Art Center together with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Nearly 75 years ago, the land that is now the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden was identified as the Armory Gardens that used to house a huge National Guard building along with formal gardens. Although the building was pulled down in year 1933, the charming gardens remained and continued to be managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. In 1992 the impressive park which was a mere 7.5 acres was increased to 11 acres. At the time of enhancement the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden became the country’s largest urban sculpture garden.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is home to 40 intriguing permanent art installations. There are also temporary art installations that make the park an interesting site to explore throughout the year. The Spoon Bridge and Cherry Water Fountain which is the masterpiece of Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen is recognised as the focal point of the park. The Cowles Conservatory is also a unique feature here. The 22-foot Standing Glass Fish at the Cowles Conservatory is much loved by both locals and foreign travellers.
Another fascinating site at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the vine-covered arbor and flower garden which is dedicated to Alene Lorberbaum Grossman who had a
strong passion of natural beauty. Meanwhile Seating, Reading, Thinking is a unique outdoor bench created by the famed Kinji Akagawa. Other outdoor artwork include copper, Seat-leg Table, Woodrow, Ordovician Pore, Two-way Mirror Punched Steel Hedge Labyrinth, Junge Frau, Reclining Mother and Child and many more. The enchanting works of art that can be discovered at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden have been created by many eminent artists both local and from all across the world such as Charlie Lazor, Saul Baizerman, Deborah Butterfield, Tony Cragg, Jenny Holzer, Marino Marini, Henry Moore and many others.
This stunning 11-acre garden is the venue for numerous artistic programs, exhibitions, performances as well as educational activities. Gallery and architecture tours as well as garden tours are arranged for visitors with information provided by staff at the Cowles Conservatory.
Staying at a Minneapolis hotel such as Millennium Hotel Minneapolis that offers warm hospitality and easy access to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden as well as many other Minneapolis attractions will make the visit complete, convenient and memorable.