Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Park
Large urban sculpture park adjoining Walker Art Center
Adjacent to the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden displays large-scale works such as Spoonbridge and Cherry; visitors stroll paths, picnic and photograph public sculpture.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at a Glance#
Address: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States
Website: https://walkerart.org/visit/sculpture-garden
Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset; Walker Art Center operates on separate hours for indoor galleries
Admission: Free (some special exhibitions or events at the Walker Art Center may charge)
About Minneapolis Sculpture Garden#
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a public park of outdoor sculpture adjacent to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The site is a major regional cultural attraction combining large-scale works with designed landscape over roughly 11 acres.
Large-format sculptures dotted across lawns and paths, with one of the best-known works being the Spoonbridge and Cherry fountain. The garden presents a mix of permanent installations and rotating exhibitions and is used for strolling, photography, picnicking, and public programs.
The garden opened as a public sculpture park in the late 20th century and was redesigned and expanded in the 2010s to strengthen its connection with the Walker Art Center and improve visitor facilities. Since the redesign it has continued to host temporary installations alongside its permanent collection.
The garden sits adjacent to the Walker Art Center and Loring Park, within close walking distance of downtown Minneapolis and easily reached by local transit and pedestrian routes.
- Size and access: Open year-round and free to the public, the garden covers about 11 acres and contains a mix of permanent and rotating outdoor sculptures.
- Best time to visit: Most visitors prefer late spring to early fall for the full outdoor experience and to see seasonal plantings and outdoor events.
What to See#
- Spoonbridge and Cherry: An iconic fountain sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen that functions as both art and water feature and is the garden’s signature work.
How to Get to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden#
The garden is adjacent to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and is walkable from the Uptown and Loring Park neighborhoods. Public transit options include Metro Transit buses; downtown and nearby neighborhoods are a short bus ride or bike away.
Tips for Visiting Minneapolis Sculpture Garden#
- The garden is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
- Look for the popular Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture - it's a park landmark and a good meeting point.
- Combine a visit with the Walker Art Center across the street for indoor exhibitions and restrooms.
Best Time to Visit Minneapolis Sculpture Garden#
Summer for programming and long days; shoulder seasons for comfortable weather and fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Minneapolis Sculpture Garden#
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (756 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 19 mm.
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall.