Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a world-class cultural destination where art, nature, and horticulture come together in a truly immersive way. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this 158-acre campus is home to one of the world’s most significant sculpture and botanic experiences. Meijer Gardens was named the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is consistently listed among the 100 most-visited museums in the world by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication.
At Meijer Gardens, guests can explore unique environments and encounter internationally acclaimed sculptures by world-renowned artists, such as “The American Horse,” one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring attractions at Meijer Gardens. Standing 24 feet tall and weighing more than 15 tons, this monumental bronze sculpture by Nina Akamu brings Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old vision to life. Other highlights include Nick Cave’s first public outdoor sculpture, “Amalgam (Origin),” a 26-foot-tall bronze sculpture evolved from Cave’s Soundsuits series. And the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden offers tranquility, simplicity, and beauty, through an artful design by Hoichi Kurisu, whose work ranks among the finest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. An authentic Japanese teahouse, a featured highlight of the garden, offers traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Groups will also find Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing sculptures and an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. And the James & Shirley Balk Cafe features a rotating menu of seasonal, locally inspired soups, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. In-house group catering and event dining with custom menus can be arranged, and groups can also enjoy casual meals together in designated garden picnic spaces.
Coming May 2 and running through Nov. 1, Meijer Gardens will host one of only two Dale Chihuly exhibitions in the world in 2026, featuring a sweeping collection of his glass works throughout indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. Other upcoming attractions include the annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming (every March and April), bringing over 7,000 butterflies and moths from three continents to the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. And in its third year, ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens (Nov. 23, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027) brings immersive outdoor light installations and interactive experiences throughout the holiday season.
A visit to Meijer Gardens is designed to spark curiosity and conversation—about art, nature, creativity, and our relationship to the world around us—while also offering space to slow down and enjoy time spent together. Because Meijer Gardens offers something for every interest level, it’s a great fit for a wide range of people, including art and architecture tours, garden and horticulture groups, senior travel, educational programs, and mixed-interest travelers. Learn more and book a group tour today at meijergardens.org/groups.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
877-975-3171
grouptours@meijergardens.org
www.meijergardens.org/
Lead Image:
Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden
Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
