Central NJ Sculpture Park Invites Guests to Immerse Themselves in Art
Whether you’re just in New Jersey for a brief visit or you’ve lived here all of your life, one “must see” New Jersey destination is the Grounds for Sculpture in Central New Jersey. The Garden State is home to a number of phenomenal art museums (for example, the Princeton University Art Museum was named one of our nation’s Top Small-Town Art Museums), but this outdoor New Jersey sculpture park and art center is a really unique celebration of art that invites visitors of all ages to truly immerse themselves in the works displayed throughout the park.
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Located in Hamilton, New Jersey, the Grounds for Sculpture is a 42 acre sculpture park and arts center. Most of the sculptures are hands-on, making this a great place to take the kids for a day (but it’s also a great New Jersey date destination!). More than 270 sculptures are displayed throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds that used to be home to the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Works displayed include sculpture pieces by Clement Meadmore, Beverly Pepper, Kiki Smith, George Segal, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and the legendary New Jersey artist Seward Johnson (Johnson is the founder of the Grounds for Sculpture and maintains a studio at the arts center).
The Grounds for Sculpture website describes itself as “a magical place where art and nature are always at play” and this is absolutely true. The New Jersey sculpture park is filled with many life-like sculptures that invite you to interact with the art. Many of Johnson’s works recreate world-renowned paintings by artists such as Renoir, Manet, and Monet, allowing Grounds For Sculpture guests to immerse themselves in the work in a way that is not possible with the original masterpieces.
The Grounds For Sculpture rotates works on display, so it is an excellent New Jersey destination to visit over and over again. Each visit treats guests to something new and exciting.
In addition to the many sculptures throughout the park, the Grounds For Sculpture offers fun events and activities for all ages and abilities, including guided tours, hands-on art workshops for children and families, yoga classes, wellness walks, festivals, art classes, lectures, film screenings, musical performances, and more.
The Grounds For Sculpture offers several dining venues (outside food is not permitted) including Rat’s Restaurant (named Philadelphia Magazine’s “Most Romantic Restaurant”), the Peacock Café, the Van Gogh Café, and the Gazebo.
Planning To Visit Grounds For Sculpture?
The Grounds For Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton, New Jersey and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Closed Mondays (except Labor Day and Memorial Day) and on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $15 per adult, $10 for children (6-17) and $12 for senior citizens. Children under five are free. Discounted tickets can be purchased online between January and March. Also, many New Jersey libraries offer a museum pass program allowing library pass holders to visit the Grounds For Sculpture free of charge (learn more about the museum pass program HERE!). For more information on the Grounds For Sculpture, including directions and a list of upcoming things to do, visit www.groundsforsculpture.org or call 609-586-0616.
Other things to do in the area include:
• The New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium
• Old Barracks Museum
• tour of the New Jersey State House
• William Trent House
• Ellarslie, The Trenton City Museum
• Washington Crossing State Park
• Princeton University Art Museum
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