Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - brown wooden bridge under blue sky during daytime
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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

4.7
·7k reviews·Minneapolis, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - brown wooden bridge under blue sky during daytime

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(7k reviews)

"A beautiful and fun place for all ages, offering free admission and amazing photo opportunities!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spoonbridge and Cherry

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

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

Conservatory

Within the garden

A beautiful glass structure housing plants, offering a serene escape and a contrast to the outdoor sculptures.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting on weekday mornings or evenings. Weekends, especially during peak season, can get busy. Consider the weather; Minneapolis can have extreme temperatures, so plan accordingly for comfortable exploration.

Free to Explore, Pay to Park

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers free admission, a huge plus! However, parking can be a bit tricky. Metered street parking is available, and there's a garage nearby, but it comes with a fee. Plan your budget and arrival time to secure a good spot.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Lush greenery, vibrant art
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Minnesota Photo Spots and Results at Millennium Garden 🪴 You can capture stunning shots, Check out how mine turned out!🙌🏾📸 📍14800 34th Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55447#fyp #mn #minnesota #photography #photographer #photoshoot #photospots #photospotsinmn #minnesotaphotography #minnesotacontentcreator
@tulia.m
19.4K likes • 200.9K views

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Capture stunning shots! The Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must. Golden hour offers magical light. TikTokInstagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all 40+ sculptures. Wear comfy shoes! Reddit

Sunny days call for strolls through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden 🌞🥄🍒🐓 The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry and our favorite blue rooster will be there to greet you! Did we mention it’s free?! Open year-round, 6am to midnight. Pro tip: Pack a picnic for a break at Loring Park (just steps from the garden) and take in the skyline views from the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge 😉 #minneapolissculpturegar...
meetminneapolis
681 likes • 15.2K views
Photo dump of us having a little too much fun😆 . . 📍Minneapolis Sculpture Garden 📍Walker Art Center *Free admission for active duty & spouse! . . . #minneapolissculpturegarden #spoonbridgeandcherry #walkerartcenter #keithharing #minneapolis #cityoflakes #twincities #visitminneapolis #meetminneapolis #visitminnesota #AdventuresofEnJ #photodiary #traveldiary #healertw #穿Healer看世界 #婕琦太太旅遊記 #明尼蘇達州 #明...
mrs.jackiechen
6 likes • 201 views

🧺 Picnic Potential

Pack a picnic! Enjoy it in the garden or at nearby Loring Park with skyline views. Instagram

⏰ Extended Hours

The garden is open year-round from 6 AM to midnight, offering flexibility for your visit. InstagramReddit

Be sure to SAVE this post for all the details👇 The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the US And I guarantee you’ve seen some of their iconic sculptures! Hi!👋I’m Katie from @go.with.katie and if you like travel humor, travel tips that are actually relevant, and unique things to do in bucket list destinations, I suggest you follow me! 📍 Location: 725 ...
go.with.katie
12 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Capture stunning shots! The Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must. Golden hour offers magical light. TikTokInstagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all 40+ sculptures. Wear comfy shoes! Reddit

🧺 Picnic Potential

Pack a picnic! Enjoy it in the garden or at nearby Loring Park with skyline views. Instagram

⏰ Extended Hours

The garden is open year-round from 6 AM to midnight, offering flexibility for your visit. InstagramReddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy world-class art without breaking the bank. It's completely free to enter! InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

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

Free admission
Iconic sculptures
Great photo ops

What People Dislike

Parking can be tricky
Some changes to garden

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

The garden is well-signposted, especially when you're near the Walker Art Center. Look for signs directing you to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is completely free! This makes it an accessible and popular attraction for everyone. InstagramReddit+1

The garden boasts generous hours, open daily from 6 AM to midnight year-round. This allows for visits at almost any time of day. InstagramReddit

There is no entrance fee. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a public park and art space, welcoming visitors without charge. Instagram+1

Yes, the garden is open year-round, including in winter. While sculptures may be dusted with snow, it offers a unique, serene experience. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎨 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. Instagram+1

Most visitors spend between 60 to 90 minutes exploring the garden at a leisurely pace, allowing time to appreciate each sculpture and take photos. Reddit

Yes, there are benches strategically placed throughout the garden, offering spots to rest, reflect, and enjoy the art and surroundings. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, photography is highly encouraged! The garden offers numerous unique and artistic backdrops for memorable photos. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity! Many visitors bring their own food and enjoy it amidst the art and greenery. Instagram

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. Reddit

You'll find everything from casual cafes to upscale dining in the vicinity, catering to various tastes and budgets. Instagram

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography is not only allowed but encouraged! It's a photographer's paradise with its diverse art and scenic views. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an absolute gem for families! It's a free, open-air museum that sparks imagination and provides plenty of space for kids to explore. The large, colorful, and often whimsical sculptures are incredibly engaging for children, making art accessible and fun. The Spoonbridge and Cherry, in particular, is a huge hit with younger visitors. InstagramReddit

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! Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a treasure trove of visual opportunities. The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must-capture, but don't stop there. Explore the diverse range of modern and contemporary sculptures, each offering unique shapes, textures, and colors. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, especially during golden hour, can create dramatic and artistic shots. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a dream for budget-conscious travelers, as admission is completely free! This allows you to experience world-class art without spending a dime on entry fees. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a significant cultural attraction without impacting your wallet. InstagramReddit+1

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry

The Spoonbridge and Cherry, created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, is arguably the most recognizable piece in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This monumental sculpture, a playful interpretation of a common household item, has become a symbol of Minneapolis. It's not just a static art piece; the cherry actually functions as a fountain, with water gently cascading from its stem. Visitors often marvel at its sheer scale and the whimsical design, making it a prime spot for photos and a central gathering point within the garden. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Navigating the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an expansive 11-acre park, meticulously designed to showcase a diverse collection of modern and contemporary sculptures. Operated in coordination with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Walker Art Center, it offers a unique blend of art, nature, and urban landscape. The garden's layout encourages exploration, with winding paths leading visitors through various artistic installations. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

Photography Opportunities

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a dream destination for photographers, offering a wealth of unique and visually striking subjects. The sheer scale and diverse forms of the sculptures, set against the backdrop of the city and the natural landscape, provide endless creative possibilities. From the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry to abstract installations, each piece offers a distinct photographic challenge and reward. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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