Introducing kids to art at a young age can help them develop a lifelong interest, and Grounds For Sculpture, located in Hamilton, is the kind of place where you can kick-start that passion. Families love Grounds for Sculpture because it’s not your typical museum—white-walled gallery spaces give way to the great outdoors, where contemporary artworks, installations, and sculptures are amid gorgeous gardens, trees, and shrubbery. The 42-acre property lets you get close to the art, and kids of all ages can appreciate the space. It’s no wonder Grounds For Sculpture is one of our favorite NJ attractions. Scroll down to learn more about what you should know before you go. (featured image Philip Grausman, ‘Leucantha,’ 1993, metal, aluminum, 108 in x 118 in x 118 in, 1/3, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of the Seward Johnson Atelier, © Artist’s Estate, photo: David Micheal Howarth Photography)
Here Are 7 Things To Know About Grounds For Sculpture
Map out a plan
Since the museum spans 42 acres, you’ll want to figure out the best way for your kids to make the most of the visit. Use the interactive map on your phone to download an audio tour that offers history, interesting tips, and insights into notable pieces. You can interpret the info on a kid level and plan the spots that pique your family’s interests. Over the years, more than 700 artists displayed on the grounds, emphasizing works designed to challenge perceptions. Grounds for Sculpture gives those artists a voice through its current exhibition spaces, which change annually. There are indoor exhibitions, special exhibits, and the permanent collection is outdoors.
Discover larger-than-life art
As you meander among the outdoor exhibits, you can show your kids a wide range of art through the giant sculptures and installations by national and international artists. Check out the awe-inspiring structures displayed throughout the park in the permanent collection, featuring 400 life-size works. Your animal-loving littles will get a kick out of Ba’al with Cat and Asa with Dog. The pieces incorporate everything from ceramic to paper to stone — try to see if your kids can identify one sculpture from each material during your visit. Other highlights littles will love—the Amphitheater space with the Oligarchs watching over, Seward Johnson’s lifelike sculptures of people scattered throughout the property, and the giant metal Spider, a prime spot for selfies under the arches.
Go on a sculpture scavenger hunt
Explore the grounds with a sculpture hunt—start a friendly competition, or collaborate and find the sculptures together. Remember to look high and low, walk down winding pathways, and check for hidden doors, like the one that opens to reveal Inua by Helen Lukasova. Grounds For Sculpture also offers free Art Adventure Backpacks for families to deepen their engagement with the art and surroundings (pick up the backpack at the Guest Services Welcome Desk from 10 AM to 4 PM).
Sign up for a family-friendly activity
You can gather the fam for a young artists workshop or sign them up for Tots For Sculpture. Each experience includes hands-on art-making inspired by the sculptures and guided exploration of galleries and gardens, all geared toward their age group. Sign up older kids for Creative Kiddos, where each session uses an art theme to lead into a creative activity. And don’t miss the Family Open Studios for your littles—on the first Saturday of each month, families can explore a variety of themes through creating art.
Explore the gardens and nature
The gardens feature an interesting variety of trees and plants—both native and foreign. Check out Maplehenge, where three rings of foliage encircle a few collection pieces. Locate the hidden wooden doorway, and your kids will feel like they’re entering a secret haven when they walk inside. There’s also the Wisteria Pergola, a 230-foot-long natural tunnel connecting the grounds. These are at their prime in late April and early May, when the cascading purple blooms show off.
Grab a bite to eat at Rat’s
Rat’s Restaurant—named after The Wind in the Willows character with a setting that resembles Monet’s garden in Giverny—serves up tasty French food with Insta-worthy views. Littles can nosh on simple buttered pasta, chicken fingers, and cheeseburgers while you refuel on Chicken Croque Monsieur 28. And to finish, the whole family can share Sticky Toffee Pudding or Seasonal Crème Brûlée for dessert. For something lighter, stop by the French-inspired Van Gogh Cafe, Peacock Cafe, The Gazebo (seasonal), or, during the spring and summer, order a Picnic in the Park, where you can dine alfresco among one of your favorite sculptures.
Experience unique events and installations
Grounds For Sculpture hosts tours, talks, and special events throughout the year, from Winter Wonders in The Garden to Summer Sound Baths to the Family Open Studio, making a visit a must in any season. They also commission special installations for a limited time. If you plan to visit, check their calendar before heading out to experience everything Grounds For Sculpture has to offer.
FAQs
How much are tickets for Grounds For Sculpture?
Grounds For Sculpture only sells timed tickets online and in advance. Tickets go on sale in advance of the entry date, and new tickets are released every week and are non-refundable. Children under 5 are free; ages 6-17 are $12; adults are $15.
Do I have a limit on the timed ticket?
Even though there are timed entry tickets, you can stay as long as you want. However, keep in mind that once you leave the grounds, you cannot re-enter.
Are there any dining options?
Rat’s is an ideal place to stop for a meal after you visit the gardens, and reservations are recommended. You can also enter the Van Gogh Cafe with your ticket or plan a picnic in the park for something extra special (contact the Grounds For Sculpture for more information).
Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Learn more about Grounds For Sculpture through its website, Instagram, and Facebook.
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