The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking an extraordinary experience in West Michigan. The variety of horticulture and art on the grounds is incredibly diverse, so take your time to explore each garden at your own pace.
In addition to a world-class sculpture collection, Meijer Gardens is also home to several seasonal exhibitions. Spring brings the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit and chrysanthemums, while fall sees the popular Railway Garden. Click for more.
Interesting Things to Do at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Aside from the breathtaking botanical garden and sculpture park, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park also offers plenty of activities and events for all ages. In the spring, people flutter to the conservatory to see the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit, and in the summer and early fall, West Michiganders and visitors flock to the gardens’ amphitheater for a series of concerts by nationally-renowned musicians.
For an even more unique experience, take a tram tour to explore the sculpture park. These tours are narrated and provide a great way to learn more about the artwork you’re seeing.
In addition, you can take part in a number of educational and interactive classes and workshops. These are led by experts in horticulture, art, and other subjects. You can also sign up for summer camps that last from one to five days.
You can even book a private event for your family, friends, or colleagues at the gardens. They offer glamping, birthday parties, bachelorette or bridal showers, spa parties, and more. Check out their website for more information. If you are eligible for the Museums for All program, you can enjoy a reduced admission rate for yourself and up to four guests. EBT and WIC cardholders are also eligible for a discounted ticket price.
Visiting Hours
The gardens are open year-round, but their specific visiting hours vary based on the season and special events. Visitors are advised to check the official website calendar, purchase tickets online in advance, arrive early, and inquire about members’ privileges to get the most out of their experience.
Meijer Gardens is a top-ranked botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park that attracts millions of people each year to West Michigan. It was founded in 1995 by Fred Meijer (of Meijer grocery store fame) and is now one of the nation’s leading cultural attractions.
Some of the highlights include its Sculpture Walk, featuring more than 60 works, such as Eve by Rodin, Scarlatti by diSuvero, Grand Rapids Arch by Goldsworthy, and Long Island Buddha by Huan. The horticultural offerings are equally stunning, with diverse rooms dedicated to a variety of plants and flowers.
Throughout the year, Meijer Gardens hosts many cultural events and educational activities. These are ideal for the whole family to enjoy. They include concerts at the outdoor amphitheater during the summer, the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, and the Art Prize. In addition, Meijer Gardens offers a variety of classes for kids; past sessions included making a mini Japanese garden, woodworking, shape play, all about owls, and more. This unique place is a must-see!
Admission Tickets
If you’re an art and horticulture lover, this destination is a must-see in Michigan. The 158-acre gardens are home to one of the world’s most diverse collections with over 50 outdoor sculptures on display throughout the campus. Guests can also enjoy Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; an authentic Japanese teahouse; waterfalls; bonsai and zen-style gardens; a carnivorous plant house; and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of performances each summer.
There are also several indoor galleries that host rotating art exhibitions. You can see works from famous artists including Ai Weiwei, Degas, Rodin, and Oldenburg. You can also check out the Gardens’ online catalog to see current exhibits and events.
The Gardens participates in Museums for All, an initiative to provide reduced admission for families that qualify based on income. The Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) has partnered with many area attractions to offer GRPL cardholders the opportunity to check out passes that allow for reduced admission to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and more. You can reserve a pass on the GRPL website and present it when you visit. There is a limit of one pass per family per year. Visiting Meijer Gardens with kids is an unforgettable experience that will inspire them to appreciate nature, art, and their own creativity. Check out this interesting post!
Driving directions from Premier Edge Concrete Solutions to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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