Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis (must see)

Directly across the street from the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden claims the title of the world’s largest urban sculpture park. Spanning 11 acres (45,000 square meters), this green oasis once served as a military drill ground, but it now showcases an impressive collection of around 40 modern and contemporary artworks. The most photographed—and perhaps most beloved—piece is undoubtedly Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s “Spoonbridge and Cherry”, a whimsical, oversized spoon delicately balancing a bright red cherry. There’s also “Hahn/Cock”, a strikingly blue rooster that stands proud, nearly daring visitors to snap its photo against the backdrop of the downtown Minneapolis skyline and the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary.

Even better, admission to the Sculpture Garden is absolutely free. Come rain, shine, or snow, you can wander the grounds every single day of the year. Beyond the outdoor sculptures, the Garden also offers the delights of the Cowles Conservatory—an indoor sanctuary that features tropical flora, a lush escape from the chilly Minnesota winters, and, of course, art. Inside, you’ll find Frank Gehry’s dazzling “Standing Glass Fish”—proof that art and nature aren’t just neighbors here; they’re inextricably entwined.

Pro tip: When you’re ready to keep the art-inspired stroll going, make your way across the brightly-hued Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge over Hennepin Avenue to Loring Park. Once there, meander through the park’s tree-lined paths while taking in more art and nature. Feeling peckish? Head to Café and Bar Lurcat for a dining experience that’s as refined as it is relaxed.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Minneapolis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Create Your Own Walk in Minneapolis

Create Your Own Walk in Minneapolis

Creating your own self-guided walk in Minneapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Minneapolis Introduction Walking Tour

Minneapolis Introduction Walking Tour

Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota, straddling the Mississippi River. Together with neighboring Saint Paul, the state capital of Minnesota, it forms the metropolitan area collectively known as the "Twin Cities."

Before European settlement, the site of Minneapolis was inhabited by Dakota people. The settlement was founded along Saint Anthony Falls — the only natural waterfall...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Historical Churches

Historical Churches

The "City of Lakes”, Minneapolis, doesn't pride itself solely on the lakes. In fact, you will be amazed by how many churches, cathedrals, and other places of worship are found throughout the city. These sacred structures have played a significant role in the development of Minneapolis and continue to serve as pillars of faith and community. Let's take a look at some of the most...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis Campus Walking Tour

University of Minnesota - Minneapolis Campus Walking Tour

Founded in 1851, seven years before Minnesota became a state, the University of Minnesota is one of the largest educational institutions in the United States. The university campus in the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, spread along the bank of the Mississippi River, is a sprawling hub renowned for its rich academic environment and vibrant life.

One of the central gathering...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Saint Paul Introduction Walking Tour

Saint Paul Introduction Walking Tour

Saint Paul is a fantastic example of a city that has grown through a diverse range of cultures. The location near the Mississippi River helped make what would later become the city a significant center of local trade. The Dakota Sioux tribe were among the earliest residents, and European settlement that included French-Canadian fur traders and Catholic missionaries occurred during the 1830s to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles