7 Things to Know About Grounds For Sculpture

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Introducing kids to art at a young age is the key to igniting a passion for learning and lifelong interest, and  Grounds For Sculpture, located in Hamilton, is where you can make that first introduction. 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 placed 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

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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. 

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Giant sculptures are only part of the fun scattered throughout Grounds For Sculpture. Photo Credit: @jamiengrose

Discover larger-than-life art

Use this time to teach your kids about a wide range of art with 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, where kids can pose for selfies under the arches. 

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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 Storytelling in the Gallery for your littles—during winter, this indoor event features live narratives based on the current exhibits.

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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. 

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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 steak au poivre, Maine scallops, or Tuscan kale salad. And to finish, the whole family can share creme brulee or profiteroles for dessert. For something lighter, stop by the French-inspired Van Gogh Cafe or Peacock Cafe. They have snacks, coffee, and other drinks.

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Night Forms is an installation open from the end of November to April. Photo taken at Grounds For Sculpture

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. A unique late fall and winter experience at Grounds For Sculpture is Night Forms, an event with Klip Collective showcasing an after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience that challenges the senses and gives you an after-dark perspective (November 24, 2023-April 7, 2024). Check their calendar before heading out so you can experience everything that Grounds For Sculpture offers. 

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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 to Grounds for Sculpture

Even though entry into the park is timed, you can stay for as long as you want once you enter. 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. 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, New Jersey 08619
(609)

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About Author

Caroline is a writer from central Jersey who loves checking out new boardwalks and beach towns (current faves include Long Branch and Ocean Grove), admiring the foliage and walking around downtown Princeton, and singing along to music—often with her younger sister. One of her favorite jobs was being a camp counselor and helping out at local, family-friendly events. She can regularly be found ordering a pie to go from Romeo's in Plainsboro, her favorite pizzeria.

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