Getting kids acquainted with art when they are young can help them develop a lifelong interest, and Grounds For Sculpture, located in Hamilton, is the kind of place where you can kickstart 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
Hanging with their garden buddies at Grounds for Sculpture. Photo Credit: John Newman, “Skyhook,” 1998, steel, stone, epoxy resin, cable, wood, paint, 240 x 300 x 156 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of the Seward Johnson Atelier, © Artist or Artist’s Estate, photo: David Michael Howarth Photography
Map out a plan
Since the museum is spread out over 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, which offers history, interesting tips, and perceptions of 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 their current exhibition spaces, which change annually. There are indoor exhibitions along with special exhibits, and the permanent collection is outdoors.
Giant sculptures are only part of the fun scattered throughout Grounds For Sculpture. Photo Credit: @jamiengrose
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. These are displayed all around the park in the permanent collection, with 400 life-size works. Your animal-loving littles will get a kick out of Ba’al with Cat and Asa with Dog. The pieces are all made with everything from ceramic to paper to stone — try to see if your kids can identify one sculpture made from each type of 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.
The sculptures around the grounds are one of a kind. Photo Credit: Dina Wind, Harp of David #1, 1985/2012 steel, mild, 26 ft x 24 ft x 22 ft, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of the Dina Wind Art Foundation © Artist’s Estate, photos: David Michael Howarth Photography
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 has downloadable kid-oriented Explorer’s Guides, encouraging kids to observe their surroundings and the artwork more closely and reflect on what they’re seeing and experiencing.
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 our galleries and gardens, all geared toward their age group. 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.
Water views and photo ops. Photo Credit: 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
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 (that is, if you can find them). 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.
Space of Stone is a must-see stop at Grounds For Sculpture. Photo Credit: Magdalena Abakanowicz, ‘Space of Stone,’ 2002, stone: Barre grey granite, Pennsylvania black granite, 152 in x 181 ft x 69 ft, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of Seward Johnson Atelier, © Artist’s Estate, photo: David Michael Howarth Photography
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 coq au vin, seared scallops, or broccoli Caesar salad. And to finish, the whole family can share brown sugar cinnamon creme brulee or ginger mousse for dessert. For something lighter, stop by the French-inspired Van Gogh Cafe or Peacock Cafe. They have snacks, coffee, and other drinks.
Look out for unique installations like Night Forms which was a multi-sensory experience at Grounds For Sculpture. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Experience unique events and installations
Ground For Sculpture hosts events throughout the year, from the Summer Sound Baths to the Family Open Studio, that make visiting a must in any season. In the fall, visit to see Fantastic Foliage: Late Fall Color on November 6 and 9. Or visit on December 7 for Winter Wreath Making. Check their calendar before heading out to experience everything that Grounds For Sculpture offers.
Grounds For Sculpture has so many unique nooks and crannies. Photo Credit: Walter Dusenbery, ‘Damascus Gate,’ 2002, travertine, 240 in x 176 in x 51 in, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of the Seward Johnson Atelier, © Artist or Artist’s Estate, photo: David Michael Howarth Photography
What to know before you go
Even though entry into the park is timed, you can stay as long as you want. However, keep in mind that once you leave the grounds, you cannot re-enter. Grounds For Sculpture only sells tickets online and in advance. Tickets go on sale up to two weeks before the entry date, and new tickets are released every week and are non-refundable. Children under 5 are free, ages 6-17 are $12, and adults are $25. 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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