IX Art Park
Charlottesville's vibrant hub for immersive art, free outdoor sculptures, and a lively Saturday farmers market. A creative wonderland for all ages.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Farmers market buzz
IX Art Park
Best Time
Farmers market buzz

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charlottesville's vibrant hub for immersive art, free outdoor sculptures, and a lively Saturday farmers market. A creative wonderland for all ages.
"Felt like a kid again! Such a well thought out display of fun, interactive art!"
🎟️ Book 'The Looking Glass' tickets
Secure your spot for the immersive art experience online in advance, especially for weekends.
🚶♀️ Explore the free outdoor park
Wander through the vibrant murals and sculptures anytime; it's a 24-hour free art space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience
Indoor exhibit
Step into a whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-themed wonderland created by local artists. Interactive and magical for all ages.

Outdoor Mural and Sculpture Park
Outdoor grounds
Explore a vibrant 24-hour free outdoor space filled with colorful murals and unique sculptures. Great for a stroll and photos.

Farmers Market at IX Art Park
Outdoor grounds
A lively Saturday market featuring local produce, crafts, and food vendors. A perfect way to experience local Charlottesville.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Event Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book 'The Looking Glass' tickets
Secure your spot for the immersive art experience online in advance, especially for weekends.
🚶♀️ Explore the free outdoor park
Wander through the vibrant murals and sculptures anytime; it's a 24-hour free art space.
☕ Grab a drink at the lounge
The Looking Glass experience ends with a cool bar offering themed cocktails.
👨👩👧👦 Fun for all ages
The immersive art and outdoor park are great for families, kids, and adults alike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book 'The Looking Glass' tickets
Secure your spot for the immersive art experience online in advance, especially for weekends.
🚶♀️ Explore the free outdoor park
Wander through the vibrant murals and sculptures anytime; it's a 24-hour free art space.
☕ Grab a drink at the lounge
The Looking Glass experience ends with a cool bar offering themed cocktails.
👨👩👧👦 Fun for all ages
The immersive art and outdoor park are great for families, kids, and adults alike.
🅿️ Free Parking Available
There's an adjacent parking lot with plenty of free space for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about IX Art Park's imaginative and inspiring atmosphere, particularly 'The Looking Glass' immersive exhibit, which is praised for being interactive and suitable for all ages. The free outdoor art park and vibrant Saturday farmers market also receive high marks for their creative energy and community feel. Some note the place is small and can be quickly explored, but many enjoy lingering in the lounge or supporting local arts.
"Imaginative & inspiring, returning your mind & body to the wondrous stories of Lewis Carroll. If you're passing through Charlottesville, do drop in & support the local arts scene."
Parveen Sikand
"I took my sister, dad and young nephew there and it was an amazing experience for us all. Perfect for ALL ages! We each loved how interactive it was and how immersive the experience was. Would recommend!"
Rachelle Robinson
"Cool place. It has many cool graffiti. There is an adjacent brewery. Also a children's park here. The sculptures are very unique. There is an adjacent parking lot with lots of free parking space. But it's a very small place, it should not take more than 10-15 mins to look around, but you may sit and spend some time."
Priyam Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
IX Art Park is located in Downtown Charlottesville, VA, near the Downtown Mall. It's easily accessible by car, with an adjacent parking lot offering free parking.
Yes, there is an adjacent parking lot with ample free parking available for visitors.
Yes, IX Art Park is located a few blocks away from the Downtown Mall, making it within walking distance.
While specific bus routes can vary, Charlottesville has public transit options that may serve the downtown area. Checking the local transit authority's website for routes near 2nd St SE is recommended.
IX Art Park is situated in Downtown Charlottesville, making it relatively easy to locate. Many visitors use GPS or follow signs for the Downtown Mall area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The outdoor mural and sculpture park is free and accessible 24 hours a day. However, 'The Looking Glass' immersive art experience requires a ticket purchase. Check their website for current pricing.
Yes, tickets are required for 'The Looking Glass' immersive art experience. It's highly recommended to book these online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
The outdoor park is accessible 24 hours. 'The Looking Glass' exhibit has specific operating hours, which vary. It's best to check the official IX Art Park website for the most up-to-date hours.
While on-site ticket purchases might be possible, it's strongly advised to book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment, as popular times can sell out.
Information on discounts, such as for groups or special events, is typically available on the IX Art Park website. It's worth checking their ticketing page for any available offers.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
IX Art Park offers a free outdoor art park with murals and sculptures, 'The Looking Glass' immersive art experience, a farmers market on Saturdays, and often hosts events, workshops, and live music.
The outdoor park can be explored in about 10-15 minutes for a quick look, but you can spend longer enjoying the art. 'The Looking Glass' experience typically takes about an hour.
Absolutely! 'The Looking Glass' is described as magical for all ages, and the outdoor park has play areas. Families frequently visit and enjoy the space.
'The Looking Glass' is an immersive, interactive art exhibit inspired by Alice in Wonderland, featuring enchanting forests and whimsical designs by local artists. It's a sensory experience with sights and sounds.
Yes, IX Art Park frequently hosts a variety of events, including art festivals, music performances, workshops, and markets. Check their website or social media for the latest schedule.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Looking Glass experience concludes with a bar and lounge area offering themed cocktails. The Saturday farmers market also features food vendors.
While specific policies may vary, it's generally best to consume food and drinks in designated areas. The farmers market and lounge are ideal spots for refreshments.
IX Art Park itself doesn't have a full-service restaurant, but the immersive exhibit has a lounge with drinks, and the farmers market offers food stalls. The surrounding Downtown Mall also has many dining options.
The Farmers Market at IX Art Park typically offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, artisanal products, and prepared foods from different vendors.
Yes, IX Art Park is located near the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, which has a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and breweries to choose from.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged in the outdoor park areas. For 'The Looking Glass' immersive experience, check their specific policy, but many visitors share photos and videos.
The vibrant murals and unique sculptures in the outdoor park offer fantastic photo opportunities. Inside 'The Looking Glass,' the whimsical and colorful installations provide many visually striking backdrops.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact IX Art Park directly to inquire about any specific guidelines, permits, or fees that may apply, especially for commercial use.
While many visitors capture content, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other guests and any posted signage regarding photography within the immersive exhibit.
A versatile camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities is recommended for 'The Looking Glass.' For the outdoor park, any camera will capture the colorful art.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Book 'The Looking Glass' tickets in advance, explore the free outdoor art for endless photo ops, and enjoy the community vibe at the Saturday farmers market. The entire park is designed to be engaging for all ages, ensuring a memorable family outing.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives
Don't miss: Exploring the diverse outdoor art, dedicating ample time to the immersive 'Looking Glass' exhibit, and checking the event schedule for any special exhibitions or workshops during your visit.
✨ Budget Travelers
While 'The Looking Glass' immersive experience does have a ticket price, it's often described as well-priced for the unique and engaging experience it offers. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or checking for any potential discounts if available.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of 'The Looking Glass'
Plan for about an hour to fully explore 'The Looking Glass.' The journey culminates in a cool lounge and bar area, perfect for reflecting on the experience and enjoying themed cocktails. This exhibit is a major draw and is highly recommended for its unique, creative, and engaging nature. It's a testament to the vibrant local art scene in Charlottesville.
Pro-tip: Booking tickets online in advance is crucial, especially for weekend visits, as this popular attraction can sell out. The air-conditioned space also makes it a comfortable escape on warmer days.
Exploring the Free Outdoor Art Park
The outdoor area also includes a stage and a sandbox/play area, making it a versatile space for community gatherings and family fun. It’s a testament to the park's commitment to making art accessible to everyone, offering a visual feast without an admission fee.
This free-to-access area is perfect for a quick visit if you're short on time or looking for a more relaxed art experience. It’s a great way to support local artists and enjoy public art in a lively urban setting.
The Saturday Farmers Market Experience
It's more than just a place to shop; it's a vibrant social gathering spot where locals and visitors alike can connect and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The market is dog-friendly and free to enter, making it an accessible and enjoyable outing for everyone.
Attending the farmers market is a fantastic way to experience the local flavor of Charlottesville, support small businesses, and enjoy a morning filled with community spirit and fresh finds.
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