The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an outdoor art park next to the Walker Art Center and Loring Park. Its centerpiece is Spoonbridge and Cherry, a giant spoon with a cherry on one end, made by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen and set above a pond. More than 40 works are spread across the lawns and paths, from a bright blue rooster to large abstract pieces, and some invite visitors to get close. Admission is free, and the garden is open every day of the year. Go early for photos and a quieter walk.
Who runs the garden and how it grew
The garden is run in partnership between the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. It opened in 1988 with 11 acres and more than 40 works of art.
The Walker began as the private art collection of lumber baron Thomas Barlow Walker in the late 1800s. It is now one of the five most visited contemporary art museums in the United States.
The garden was reconstructed and reopened on June 10, 2017. After that work, the Walker and the garden became one 19-acre campus.
Spoonbridge and Cherry and the other works
Spoonbridge and Cherry, by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, sits at the heart of the garden. The cherry on the spoon sprays water, and the sculpture is one of the most photographed works in the city.
Other works include the Frank Gehry Standing Glass Fish and the bright blue rooster Hahn/Cock by Katharina Fritsch, which stands about 25 feet tall. The pieces vary in scale and style, some enlarged, some brightly coloured, some abstract, so the walk changes from one piece to the next.
Plaques beside the works give background on each one. A self-guided tour experience is also available to download before your visit.
The conservatory, pavilion and arbor
The Cowles Conservatory is on the grounds and holds exotic hothouse flowers. The Cowles Pavilion is an outdoor space in the garden.
The Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor and Flower Garden is another spot for a quiet pause or a photo. The landscaped lawns and flowerbeds are at their best in the warmer months, when the gardens are in bloom.
The Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge and Loring Park
A pedestrian bridge designed by Siah Armajani, known as the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge, links the garden to Loring Park. It crosses over Interstate 94, so you can reach the park without walking along the road.
The bridge was given a makeover in 2018. A poem by John Ashbery, written for the structure, runs along it, so read the lines as you cross.
Loring Park is on the other side, with spots to sit and rest before you walk back.
Planning the visit
Admission is free, and the garden is open every day of the year, from early morning into late evening.
The main paths are mostly paved. The entrance, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Public restrooms are located by the baseball fields.
Free guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Dogs are welcome on the grounds on a leash, but keep them off the sculptures.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
No. The garden is free to visit and is open every day of the year.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and the main paths are mostly paved.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the grounds on a leash. Keep them off the sculptures, including the Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Where do I park?
There is a paid parking lot and paid street parking. Rideshare is also an easy way to get there.
