The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a 50-acre park located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the United States. The garden features over 50 modern and contemporary art sculptures, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, a giant spoon with a cherry on top designed by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and entertainment.
History of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden was established in 1988, with the goal of creating a unique public space that would showcase modern and contemporary art. The garden was designed by landscape architect Peter O’Shea, and features a variety of plant species, walking paths, and scenic views of the surrounding cityscape. Over the years, the garden has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of new sculptures and the construction of a visitor center.
Notable Sculptures in the Garden
One of the most iconic sculptures in the garden is Spoonbridge and Cherry, a giant spoon with a cherry on top designed by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The sculpture is over 50 feet long and weighs over 5,000 pounds, making it one of the largest sculptures in the garden. Other notable sculptures include the Love & Hate sculpture by Robert Indiana, which features two large steel sculptures with the words “love” and “hate” in bold letters, and the Hahn/Cock sculpture by Katharina Fritsch, a giant blue rooster that stands over 20 feet tall.
| Sculpture Name | Artist | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Spoonbridge and Cherry | Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen | 1988 |
| Love & Hate | Robert Indiana | 1999 |
| Hahn/Cock | Katharina Fritsch | 2013 |
Visiting the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open year-round, and offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors. The garden features a visitor center, which offers information about the sculptures and the garden’s history, as well as a gift shop and a cafe. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the garden, which offers a deeper understanding of the sculptures and the artists who created them.
Special Events and Exhibitions
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden also hosts a variety of special events and exhibitions throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and festivals, art workshops and classes, and lectures and talks by artists and curators. Visitors can check the garden’s website for a schedule of upcoming events and exhibitions, and plan their visit accordingly.
In addition to the sculptures and special events, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is also a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and picnickers. The garden features a variety of scenic views and walking paths, including a 1.5-mile walking trail that takes visitors through the garden and surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors can also bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the garden's many scenic spots.
- Guided tours of the garden
- Art workshops and classes
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
- Lectures and talks by artists and curators
- Picnicking and walking trails
What are the hours of operation for the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden?
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The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open year-round, from 6am to 10pm. The visitor center is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on weekends.
Is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden free to visit?
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Yes, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free to visit. However, some special events and exhibitions may require a fee or registration.
Can I bring my dog to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden?
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Yes, dogs are allowed in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but they must be on a leash and under the owner’s control at all times.
Are there any restaurants or cafes near the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden?
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Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, including the Spoonbridge and Cherry cafe, which is located in the garden’s visitor center.
Can I rent the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for a private event?
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Yes, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is available for rent for private events, including weddings, corporate events, and parties. Contact the garden’s events department for more information and to book a date.
