Minnesota is known for many things: its lakes, its agriculture, its “nice”. But two resources, in particular, seem to bring out the best in our state: its cultural community and its parks and recreation. And when those two things combine, magic happens.
So when the Walker Art Center hooked arms with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, amazingness ensued. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden underwent an 18-month-long renovation and the results are fantastic. Some existing pieces were refreshed, some new pieces were introduced. When it all came together, the beloved landmark is better than ever and a place for everyone—young and old, from all walks of life—to come and enjoy the sights and sounds, culture and activities.
WHAT’S NEW
Of the more than 60 pieces that now live in the Sculpture Garden, 18 are new with the renovation. Many are works from internationally renowned artists who form a new, very diverse generation of designers in the garden. The following are some of the new installations.
Hahn/Cock by Katrina Fritsch
We’ve all heard the old idiom, “Let’s address the giant elephant in the room.” Well, let’s address the giant rooster in the garden. There’s no missing it. Katharina Fritsch’s Hahn/Cock weighs nearly 8,000 pounds and sits atop a 30,000-pound base. It’s big, it’s blue and it’s completely captivating up close and from a distance.
Empire by Eva Rothschild
This giant spidery arch just dares you to be its next contender. People of every age try to conquer its zigzagged legs to reach the top of this red, black and green empire.
Black Vessel for a Saint by Theaster Gates
Taller than 20 feet, this circular temple houses a statue of Saint Laurence, the patron saint of librarians. The statue was salvaged from a church in Chicago—the artist’s hometown.
Hephaestus by Matthew Monahan
He’s an interesting—almost fun—approach to the human form. He looks confused and confusing, but he seems like a friendly giant. Several kids were attracted to this piece.
September Room by Mark Manders
Combining strange (heads trapped between boards) with familiar (chairs and a record player), this installation seems to provide a glimpse into the artist’s imagination.
La Soledad by KCHO
The wobbly paddle legs illustrate the instability and challenges associated with travel and the solitude of a personal journey.
To view additional images of the sculptures featured at the Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens, click the thumbnails below.
- Looks can be deceiving. “Sky Pesher” by James Turell appears plain from outside appearances.
- Inside “Sky Pesher” by James Turell, guests will find simple but profound beauty when they look up. “Sky Pesher” can be booked for small gatherings.
- “Bog Walker” by Aaron Spangler is a new installation at the garden.
- “Untitled” (gate) by Monika Sosnowska
- “The Spinner” by Alexander Calder stands at the west entrance to the garden. It functions much like a weather vane and adds some whimsy to the garden.
- “Double Curve” by Ellsworth Kelly is strong and commanding from one angle and nearly disappears from another.
- Although it’s made of bronze, “Woodrow” by Deborah Butterfield appears to be made of sticks.
- “Spoonbridge and Cherry” by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen has become an icon for the city of Minneapolis.
- “Wind Chime” by Pierre Huyghe brings an added element of human senses to a visit to the garden.
- “Hare on Bell on Portland Stone Piers” by Barry Flanagan
- “For Whom” by Kris Martin is a clapperless bell installation. Originally rejected by a church because it’s tone wasn’t ideal, Martin salvaged it. It now silently rings at the top of every hour.
- “Hahn/Cock” by Katharina Fritsch stands nearly 25 feet above the garden and can be seen from a distance in the city.
- “Arikidea” by Mark di Suvero is a juxtaposition in strength and delicacy. The heavy steel beams are so perfectly balanced that a slight breeze will make the structure swing.
- Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor and Flower Garden features flora and fauna that create an ideal refuge for a variety of wildlife.
- “LOVE” by Robert Indiana is world-renowned and has been reproduced in many variations including a famous postage stamp.
- “Bronze Woman IV” by Thomas Schütte
- “Back of Snowman” by Gary Hume illustrates durability and permanence in something that is normally regarded as temporary and quite fragile.
- “Rapture” by Kiki Smith is a reimagined ending to the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood.”
- “September Room” by Mark Manders combines strange with familiar to offer a snapshot of his imagination.
- A third view of Mark Manders’ “September Room”
- When you move around “Level Head” by Tony Cragg, human expressions and silhouettes seem to emerge.
- “Walking Man” by George Segal is a tribute to everyday people doing ordinary things.
- “Two-way Mirror Punched Steel Hedge Labyrinth” by Dan Graham is both reflective and see-through. Guests can interact with the piece, with other guests or simply with themselves.
- “Without Words” by Judith Shea
- “Untitled” by Jim Hodges uses motorcycle paint to capture sunlight and create an illusion of buoyancy for boulders weighing up to 13 tons.
- A panoramic view of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden from the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge.
Nature Becomes Nurture
In addition to a couple hands full of new art pieces, Sculpture Garden guests will notice that the natural environment of the park got a makeover as well. A thoughtful, dynamic ecosystem was created, which will support the long-term stability of the park. Native grasses and perennial plants frame the art, and along with trees and shrubs, they offer a nurturing habitat for birds, butterflies, and other friends in nature.
WHAT’S REFRESHED
Another thing Minnesotans can be known for is an opposition to change. But sometimes change is good.
Earth-friendly Art
In the case of the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, change was great. The sculpture itself stayed in the exact same spot, but it did get a fresh paint job. And the pond surrounding the piece of art had eroded over time, so it was renovated, and an 80-gallon underground water collection tank was installed. This cistern will recycle more than 4 million gallons of rainwater every year. The Walker, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation, and Mississippi Watershed Management Organization worked together to build a much-needed irrigation system in the park. This system will use the captured rainwater to sprinkle the garden and the ball fields neighboring the garden just to the west. Not only will this reduce water waste overall, it will greatly reduce pollution in the Mississippi River basin as well.
Accessibility
When it comes to inclusiveness in the garden, change is very good. The Sculpture Garden is now fully accessible on all corners so guests in wheelchairs and those with small children in strollers can easily navigate the grounds.
Gone Fishing
Volunteer tour guides at the Sculpture Garden all agree that the most-asked question they hear is, “Where is the fish?” They’re referring, of course, to Frank Gehry’s iconic Standing Glass Fish sculpture. The answer is: It’s gone. But don’t fret, you can still visit it at its new home in the Weisman Art Center over at the University of Minnesota campus.
WORTH A REMINDER
Artist-designed Mini Golf
For the fifth consecutive year, mini golf is open to the public at The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. But this isn’t just any mini golf course. All holes are wonderfully designed by very talented artists. This year presents four new holes and fourteen fun fan favorites. Tickets are available at the clubhouse.
Some of the playful mini golf hole designs can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnails below.
- Hole 2: “Reflections of Choices” Chris Crammer
- Hole 4: “Don’t Blow It” Robin Schwartzman
- Hole 5: “Take It to the Grave” Holly Seekstra
- Hole 6: “Thrillo-Brillo” Various Artists
- Hole 7: “Stargazer” Jess Hirsch
- Hole 8: Putt-Pong Trevor Anderson and Barry Kudrowitz
- Hole 10: Snakebite! Kyle Fokken
- Hole 14: “Let’s Be Frank” Various Artists
- Hole 16: “Curling Club” Paul Hedlund
- Hole 17: “Guess What? Chicken Putt!” Brian Fewell and Cami Applequist
Hours
The Sculpture Garden is open daily from 6 am until 12 midnight.
Tours
Guided tours are available on Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon and Thursdays at 6 pm.
Wi-Fi
Post your favorite sculptures to social media in no time; the Sculpture Garden has free Wi-Fi throughout the entire grounds.
Nosh
Esker Grove is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The patio is lovely. Plans are being considered for additional, less formal food options in the garden.
Shop
The shop inside the Walker is open to the public and sells great art-inspired gifts. All proceeds go to support art and education at the Walker.
What’s Allowed
Picnics are encouraged. Leashed dogs are always welcome, there is even a doggie water fountain.
So grab the family, some friends, and don’t forget the dog, and make your way over to The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and enjoy this newly-refreshed and cherished Minnesota destination.
Still looking for more fun adventures? Then checkout all the great things to do in the Twin Cities!
Looking for some warm weather recommendations? Discover spring and summer in Minnesota for best destinations, travel recommendations, small (and big!) town events, and more!
- About the Author
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Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.