With more than 300 sculptures among 42 acres of gardens, Grounds For Sculpture is New Jersey’s largest sculpture park. There is something for everyone in your group—fascinating art, stunning natural landscapes, and exquisite culinary delights. Conveniently nestled between New York and Philadelphia, visitors enjoy a beautiful oasis and respite from everyday life. Plus, groups of more than 15 can benefit from discounts, and free, ample motorcoach parking is available.
Grounds For Sculpture was designed to promote the accessibility of contemporary art, so visitors are encouraged to wander and explore at their own pace and interact directly with the artwork on display. Favorite sculptures include those by founder Seward Johnson that take visitors “Beyond the Frame” through recreated impressionist and modernist masterpieces. There are also large-scale contemporary works by renowned artists that invite you walk inside or among artworks. The picturesque Monet Bridge, which is inspired by Monet’s famous garden at Giverny, is a popular photo spot, and offers a view of Rat’s Pond, which features koi, water lilies, ducks, and more. And, throughout the year, myriad plants bloom and change, offering an opportunity to see lotus, roses, wisteria, and stunning fall foliage.
On their visit, groups get to appreciate the accessibility of contemporary sculpture—it’s truly for everyone. Plus, both the art and horticultural collections are so varied that everyone will find something to enjoy—from stunning lotus blooming in the summer to outdoor sculptures and six indoor art galleries, which feature rotating exhibitions, including historic buildings that were originally part of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Two new indoor exhibitions are slated to open this year: One features works from the permanent collection curated by staff, and the second will be an indoor and outdoor site-specific exhibition by renowned artist Shantell Martin.
Whether through exhibition and facilities design, guest services and amenities, or a wide array of educational offerings, Grounds For Sculpture is committed to ensuring that its collections, exhibitions, and programs are accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Groups can book guided group tours in advance that are led by extensively trained docents for an additional fee per 15 people. The grounds can accommodate groups of up to 160 people, or three buses, per 15-minute timeslot, starting at 10:00 a.m. Since the sculpture park is so vast, visitors usually spend at least two hours exploring the art-filled gardens. And the Van Gogh Cafe, which takes design inspiration from the painting “Starry Night,” and the French country-inspired Rat’s Restaurant, which has been featured in People magazine as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the country, offer convenient on-site dining.
Grounds For Sculpture received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism. Made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Division of the New Jersey Department of State, and a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Grounds For Sculpture
609-249-0222
groundsforsculpture.org/visit/adult-groups
Lead Video:
Grounds For Sculpture | 42 Acres of Art-filled Gardens
Credit: Grounds for Sculpture
