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The Grounds For Sculpture - What Is It?

Looking for a unique and visually stunning way to spend an afternoon? Look no further than the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. This expansive outdoor museum features over 270 contemporary sculptures spread across 42 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. From towering metal structures to whimsical bronze figures, there’s something here to capture every visitor’s imagination and tons of space to explore.

This is one of the coolest museums I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. And it’s in my home state of New Jersey! This vast green space combines the beauty of nature and art. Knowing the many health benefits of visiting green spaces, I was down to check out some art and try to improve my health in the process.

Best of all the grounds are accessible to all. This sculpture garden and museum really makes the grounds as accommodating as possible. But more on that later…

History of The Grounds For Sculpture

The outdoor sculpture gardens originated in 1989 on the former site of the New Jersey Fairgrounds. It was officially opened to the public in 1992. The idea behind the Hamilton NJ sculpture garden was to create a space where visitors could experience sculpture art in a familiar, accessible, and informal setting. Take a stuffy museum and put it outside. It instantly becomes more fun.

The sculpture park was created by John Seward Johnson II who was dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of the sculpture arts. The Grounds for Sculpture achieves this by organizing exhibitions, publishing catalogs, and offering a ton of community events and educational programs.

In 2000 The Grounds for Sculpture officially became a nonprofit.

How to Get To The Grounds For Sculpture

The Grounds for Sculpture makes an excellent day trip from New York or Philadelphia. The Hamilton New Jersey sculpture garden is located near Princeton in Mercer County. It’s a short drive for most NJ residents. There’s also a printable map of the grounds on their website, so you can better plan your trip.

Grounds for sculpture Directions

The Grounds For Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

To get there take I-295, Exit 65B, Then drive .2 mi. West on Sloan Ave. to Klockner Rd., South to East. State St., .8 mi. East. to Sculptor's Way.

Parking

Parking is free.

Are The Grounds For Sculpture Hamilton, NJ Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes. The Grounds for Sculpture is committed to making exhibitions, facilities, and educational offerings accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Most of the pathways in the New Jersey state gardens are made up of paver stone. However, there are a few smaller paths that are made up of natural materials and may be harder to maneuver. But rest assured the bulk of the sculptures are viewable from the accessible paver stone paths.

Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) and wheelchairs are both available for rent at the Welcome Center on a first-come-first-served basis for a small fee.

Personal care aides for visitors with disabilities are given free entrance to the Grounds. Visitors looking to obtain free passes for a personal care aide should call (609) 586-0616 or email: tickets@groundsforsculpture.org.

Access Mobile Tours are also available. Access Mobiles are ADA-rated vehicles that give visitors with limited mobility a 45-minute tour of the grounds. It is recommended that you make reservations in advance. Guests can call (609) 586-0616 to reserve.

Touch Tours are available for guests who are blind or have low vision. Experiences are docent lead and involve touching a variety of outdoor sculptures to aid in tactile exploration. Please call (609) 249-0200 to arrange a tour.

Service animals are permitted into the sculpture grounds.

Notable Works At The Grounds For Sculpture

One of the highlights of the sculpture garden is undoubtedly '“The Nine Muses,” a collection of larger-than-life female figures that seem to dance amongst the trees. Another must-see is “Man On Fire,” a bronze statue that appears to be erupting from a pool of water like some kind of elemental force. The grounds also feature several pieces by noted sculptor Seward Johnson, including “Confrontational Vulnerability,” “Daydream,” and “King Lear.”

Unique Features of The Grounds For Sculpture

Hidden Gems and Lesser Known Places to Discover

Of course, it’s not all about big-name pieces - part of what makes The Grounds For Sculpture so special is how many hidden gems there are scattered throughout its paths and gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for unexpected installations like tiny fairy doors or a giant metal spider lurking around a corner!

Domestic Arts Building

Originally one of the first New Jersey State Fairgrounds buildings, the Domestic Arts Building now houses one of the most impressive exhibits honoring contemporary art. Be sure to spend a little time indoors during your trip to the gardens.

Rat’s Restaurant

Named by Philadelphia Magazine as the “Most Romantic Restaurant",” Rat’s gets its name from the character Ratty from the classic book “The Wind in the Willows.” The ambiance will leave you feeling as though you’ve been whisked off to the French countryside. Nestled on the massive Grounds for Sculpture campus, Rat’s was modeled after Monet’s Giverny.

The menu has a delicious French inspiration, with a lot of the food sourced from renowned local growers in the Central New Jersey area. This fancy eatery is not to be missed.

Activities For Visitors at The Grounds For Sculpture

Exhibit Opportunities

In addition to the 270 contemporary sculptures that are on display year-round, The Grounds For Sculpture offers special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. Just one of these such exhibits is their special winter experience, Night Moves, a multi-sensory, after-hours exhibition. More on that below.

Educational opportunities

The GFS also offers several educational opportunities about sculpture art, including programs for kids and families, students and teachers, and adults. You can find more information about their many educational programs here on the Grounds For Sculpture website.

Tour Garden Volunteer Program

The garden volunteer program offers a range of volunteer opportunities for people with a variety of interests, skills, and schedules. All volunteers should enjoy interacting with the public and are expected to dedicate 50 hours of volunteer service per calendar year.

Grounds For Sculpture events

The GFS offers a variety of events for the public on its grounds. Below are just a few of the exciting event offerings.

Rat’s restaurant offers wine tastings on the first week of each month. Guests are treated to a sampling of new wines being added to Rat’s wine list as well as a sampling of some of their favorite cellar wines. Tastings take guests through a flight of 5 wines with a common theme. A $15 admission fee gets you 5 tastings.

As part of their programs for adults, The GFS features classes on herbalism, yoga, meditation, and more.

Occasionally GFS also features concerts and other special events. It also plays host to weddings.

Food And Drink Options At The Grounds For Sculpture

If you’re in need of sustenance while exploring the sculpture gardens (and let’s be real, who doesn’t get a little peckish), there are plenty of options available onsite.

Rat’s Restaurant

As mentioned above, Rat’s Restaurant is a unique dining experience inside a chateau-style building on the grounds with outdoor terrace seating. Rat’s offers upscale fare in an atmosphere inspired by Monet’s Giverny.

The van Gough Cafe

The Van Gough Cafe serves up delicious sandwiches and salads.

picnic in the park

In spring through fall, guests are invited to enjoy the grounds with a picnic In the park from Rat’s Restaurant. At $60 per insulated reusable tote, guests are treated to a bottle of wine, lunch, tumblers, flatware, and napkins. Everything you need for a perfect picnic in the park.

Tips For Visiting The Grounds For Sculpture

One thing to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip: this place is huge! Wear comfortable shoes and bring any mobility devices you think you may need.

What to Bring:

Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes

Admission Tickets:

Grounds for Sculpture tickets cost $25 for adults 18+.

Admission is free to members.

Grounds For Sculpture AAA Discount is not available.

Grounds For Sculpture Discount Tickets are available to the following groups:

Senior (65+): $18

Active Military/ Veteran (ID Required): $18

Healthcare Worker (ID Required): $18

Students (6 -16 or Student ID): $12

Children (5 & Under): Free

Grounds For Sculpture Membership: Membership is available for $85/ year for individuals, $135.00 for Individual plus 1, or $160 for a Family plan that includes 2 adults and 4 children or grandchildren.

Grounds For Sculpture Night Forms

From November 25, 2023, to April 2, 2023, The Grounds for Sculpture is offering the second season of their after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience entitled “Night Forms: Infinite Waves.” Visit the Grounds for Sculpture at night to see things from new perspectives. Many of the garden’s sculptural works are lit up in new and exciting ways. To experience this Grounds for Sculpture light show check out The Grounds For Sculpture website for more info. Ticket hours range from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Best time to visit:

Admission is done by timed tickets. Tickets are required to enter and I suggest reserving your tickets in advance, particularly if you plan on visiting on the weekends when times sell out quickly.

I advise visiting in the morning, or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat in summer months since you’ll be walking outdoors. If you’re visiting in the cooler months, any time of day is fine.

Grounds For Sculpture Hours:

Monday: 10 AM to 5:00 PM

Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

How Long to Plan For your visit to The Grounds For Sculpture:

How much time you need depends on how much walking you want to do/ can do. While the grounds have flat, paved walkways the amount of walking could still be difficult for some. Plan on spending at least three hours exploring if you want to see everything. But trust me, it will be time well spent.

Why You Should Visit The Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton NJ

Thank you for taking the time to read about Grounds For Sculpture. I hope the photos and information have piqued your interest. It really is an incredibly cool statue park and gardens. It takes all the stuffy, snooty atmosphere of a traditional museum and tosses it out the window. The GFS is a museum for everyone and anyone. It’s easily accessible and entertaining for the whole family. Just look at how happy my dog, Maddie, is! Two thumbs, and paws, way up.