Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
An 11-acre urban oasis showcasing over 40 iconic modern sculptures, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 11-acre urban oasis showcasing over 40 iconic modern sculptures, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry.
"A beautiful and fun place for all ages, offering free admission and amazing photo opportunities!"
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots! The Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must. Golden hour offers magical light.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all 40+ sculptures. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spoonbridge and Cherry
Center of the garden
The iconic, larger-than-life cherry perched on a spoon. A must-see and a quintessential Minneapolis photo op!

Blue Rooster
Near the entrance
This vibrant, oversized blue rooster is another beloved landmark, adding a splash of color and whimsy to your visit.

Conservatory
Within the garden
A beautiful glass structure housing plants, offering a serene escape and a contrast to the outdoor sculptures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Free to Explore, Pay to Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots! The Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must. Golden hour offers magical light.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all 40+ sculptures. Wear comfy shoes!
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a picnic! Enjoy it in the garden or at nearby Loring Park with skyline views.
⏰ Extended Hours
The garden is open year-round from 6 AM to midnight, offering flexibility for your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots! The Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must. Golden hour offers magical light.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all 40+ sculptures. Wear comfy shoes!
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a picnic! Enjoy it in the garden or at nearby Loring Park with skyline views.
⏰ Extended Hours
The garden is open year-round from 6 AM to midnight, offering flexibility for your visit.
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy world-class art without breaking the bank. It's completely free to enter!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for its free admission, iconic art pieces like the Spoonbridge and Cherry, and ample photo opportunities. It's described as a beautiful, relaxing place for a stroll, suitable for all ages. Some find parking a bit challenging and have noted changes to the garden's layout over time.
"Great place to walk, relax, and think. Or, get out of your head if that’s what you need.
The garden has a few benches and some great photo opportunities to take advantage of.
Follow the path and you can see all the sculptures in 60-90 minutes at a slow walking pace spending a few minutes for each sculpture.
Street parking meters are here and you can also get to park in the garage across the street if you drive in.
If you journal, this is a great place to think on paper."
Don Sevcik
"Had some free time on our trip and wanted to find something free to do in the area. Once we figured out the parking situation (you do have to pay for parking, but it isn't bad), we set off to explore the gardens. Beautiful and fun for all ages!"
Sarah Armstead
"Beautiful and interesting walk and not crowded on a Thursday morning. I didn't know the Cherry was a fountain and the ducks were, as always, little cuties. Love the blue & yellow Bridge as I've driven under it many times thinking, I gotta get up there! Loved it."
Tricia W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is located at 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403. It's easily accessible by car, public transport, or even a pleasant walk or bike ride from downtown Minneapolis. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with the nearby Walker Art Center.
Parking can be a bit of a challenge. Metered street parking is available, but can fill up quickly. There's also a parking garage across the street. Some visitors suggest arriving early or on a weekday to secure a spot more easily.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Check with Metro Transit for the most up-to-date routes and schedules that can get you close to the garden.
Absolutely! Minneapolis is a bike-friendly city, and there are bike racks available. It's a great way to enjoy the city and arrive at the garden.
The garden is well-signposted, especially when you're near the Walker Art Center. Look for signs directing you to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is completely free! This makes it an accessible and popular attraction for everyone.
The garden boasts generous hours, open daily from 6 AM to midnight year-round. This allows for visits at almost any time of day.
There is no entrance fee. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a public park and art space, welcoming visitors without charge.
Yes, the garden is open year-round, including in winter. While sculptures may be dusted with snow, it offers a unique, serene experience.
While the garden itself is a constant attraction, check the Walker Art Center's schedule for any related events or programming that might occur in or around the garden.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must-see, along with the vibrant Blue Rooster. Many visitors also enjoy the Glass Fish and other large-scale modern art pieces scattered throughout the 11-acre park.
Most visitors spend between 60 to 90 minutes exploring the garden at a leisurely pace, allowing time to appreciate each sculpture and take photos.
Yes, there are benches strategically placed throughout the garden, offering spots to rest, reflect, and enjoy the art and surroundings.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic, free, family-friendly way to engage children with art and culture. The large, colorful sculptures are captivating for all ages.
Yes, photography is highly encouraged! The garden offers numerous unique and artistic backdrops for memorable photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dedicated food vendors within the garden itself. However, it's a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic you bring yourself.
The garden is adjacent to the Walker Art Center, which may have dining options. Additionally, the surrounding Loring Park and downtown Minneapolis areas offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity! Many visitors bring their own food and enjoy it amidst the art and greenery.
While not explicitly mentioned, it's always a good idea to bring your own water, especially during warmer months, as dedicated water fountains may not be readily available.
You'll find everything from casual cafes to upscale dining in the vicinity, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The Spoonbridge and Cherry is a prime photo location. The Blue Rooster, the conservatory, and any of the large-scale sculptures offer unique backdrops. The garden's layout provides diverse perspectives.
Yes, photography is not only allowed but encouraged! It's a photographer's paradise with its diverse art and scenic views.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the sculptures. Weekday mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. For commercial shoots or professional photography, it's advisable to check with the Walker Art Center for any specific guidelines or permits.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a professional DSLR, can capture great shots. The key is to experiment with angles and lighting to highlight the art.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Pack a picnic! There are plenty of grassy areas and benches perfect for a family meal. It's also a great place for kids to burn off energy while parents enjoy the art. The garden's open hours mean you can visit when it's least crowded, like weekday mornings, to give kids more freedom to roam. Remember comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot to see!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture the best light. The garden's open hours (6 AM to midnight) provide ample flexibility. Experiment with different angles, focal lengths, and compositions to showcase the scale and artistry of the pieces. The conservatory also offers interesting opportunities for reflections and architectural shots.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs even lower, pack your own snacks and drinks, or even a full picnic to enjoy in the park. While parking has a fee, consider using public transportation or biking if feasible to save on those expenses. The garden's extensive hours also mean you can visit at your leisure without feeling rushed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry
Its placement in the heart of the garden, surrounded by water and open green space, enhances its visual impact. The sculpture's bright red color contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape, especially during the vibrant Minnesota seasons. Many visitors express delight upon seeing it in person, often having only encountered it in photographs before. The sheer size and unexpected nature of the cherry on a spoon never fail to elicit smiles and awe.
When planning your visit, remember that the Spoonbridge and Cherry is a major draw. While admission is free, the area around it can get busy, particularly on weekends and during events. For the best photographic opportunities with fewer people, consider visiting early in the morning or during the week. The sculpture is a testament to public art's ability to bring joy and create iconic landmarks.
Navigating the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
While the garden is generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted changes over time, including the removal of some trees and the renovation of the conservatory. However, the core experience of discovering large-scale outdoor art remains. The park is designed to be walked, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended. Allow ample time to wander and discover hidden gems among the more prominent pieces.
For those looking to maximize their visit, consider downloading a map of the garden beforehand or utilizing any available signage on-site. The garden's open hours from 6 AM to midnight provide flexibility, allowing for visits during quieter times or for capturing unique lighting conditions. Remember that while the garden is free, parking will incur a cost, so factor that into your planning.
Photography Opportunities
Many visitors highlight the golden hour as the prime time for capturing stunning images. The soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset can dramatically enhance the textures and colors of the sculptures, creating a magical atmosphere. The garden's open design also allows for playing with different angles and perspectives, making even familiar pieces look fresh and new. Don't forget to capture the interplay between the art, the surrounding greenery, and the Minneapolis skyline.
Beyond the main attractions, keep an eye out for smaller, often overlooked details. The conservatory, with its glass architecture, offers interesting reflections and light play. Even the pathways and surrounding parkland can provide beautiful framing for your shots. Whether you're using a professional camera or your smartphone, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is sure to deliver memorable photographic moments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit