Citygarden Sculpture Park - people sitting on bench near building during daytime
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Citygarden Sculpture Park

4.7
·3k reviews·St. Louis, United States

An urban oasis in downtown St. Louis, featuring 24 sculptures, interactive fountains, and lush gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings/evenings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Citygarden Sculpture Park - people sitting on bench near building during daytime

Citygarden Sculpture Park

Best Time

Summer mornings/evenings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An urban oasis in downtown St. Louis, featuring 24 sculptures, interactive fountains, and lush gardens.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"A special place in the middle of a big city, with sculptures, gardens, and water features."

Vertical photo
TIP

Splash Pad Fun! :ocean:

Bring the kids (and yourself!) to enjoy the interactive fountains on warm days.

Picnic Perfect :sandwich:

Grab a spot on the lawn for a relaxing picnic amidst the art and greenery.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Water Features

Interactive Water Features

Children's spray plaza and wading pools

Cool off on a hot day with playful fountains and splash areas. A hit for all ages!

Instagram+1
Diverse Sculpture Collection

Diverse Sculpture Collection

Throughout the park

Explore 24 unique sculptures, from modern to contemporary, scattered across lawns and pathways.

Instagram+1
Urban Green Space

Urban Green Space

Lawns and gardens

Enjoy lush lawns, rain gardens, and shaded areas perfect for picnics or relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Citygarden is an urban oasis, perfect for a stroll. On hot days, the splash features are a huge hit with kids and adults alike! Instagram+1 Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and larger crowds. Reddit

Art for Everyone

This sculpture park offers a unique blend of art, nature, and interactive water features. Instagram+1 Whether you're an art aficionado or just looking for a relaxing escape, Citygarden has something to offer. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings/evenings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer people, more relaxing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You don’t have to travel to France to experience Monet’s famous garden 🪷 There’s a replica located inside @Grounds For Sculpture, a sculpture park, museum, and arboretum in Hamilton, New Jersey, that is perfect for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a tranquil escape ✨ Looking for more hidden gems? Follow for more tips! #naturelovers #hiddengems #newjersey #giverny #monetsgarden...
@la.vie.glutenfree
40.8K likes • 323.6K views

Splash Pad Fun! :ocean:

Bring the kids (and yourself!) to enjoy the interactive fountains on warm days. Instagram+1

Picnic Perfect :sandwich:

Grab a spot on the lawn for a relaxing picnic amidst the art and greenery. Instagram

Located in Aspinwall, River Trail Park has one of the coolest playgrounds. This bronze statue by artist Tom Otterness features 3 slides and fun mini sculptures hidden throughout. River Trail Park also has a kayak stand, operated by @3RiversOutdoorCo, 2 dog parks, and access to a bike trail.
@aroundtheburgh
19.2K likes • 108.9K views
City Garden Sculpture Park 📍801 Market St St. Louis, MO 63101 Did you know about the splash features and wading pools downtown? City Garden is absolutely beautiful and a great place to take the littles on a hot day. The staff monitors the wading pools and there is plenty of room to run and play! When parking downtown, I prefer to use the Park Mobile app. It makes it super easy to pay and find y...
michelle.in.stl
33 likes • 1.7K views

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the sculptures! Reddit

Parking Tips :car:

Consider using Park Mobile for convenient downtown parking. Instagram

Let’s take a walk through @citygarden in @downtownstlouis 🌳 Citygarden is an urban sculpture park located in downtown St. Louis. The park is an oasis of free interactive art, fountains and gardens spanning two blocks. Paved, winding paths will lead you past 24 beautiful sculptures resting on wide lawns, 6 rain gardens, a children’s spray plaza and a 180-foot-long pool and waterfall. 🌊 Have you ...
stlbucketlist
2.1K likes • 49.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Splash Pad Fun! :ocean:

Bring the kids (and yourself!) to enjoy the interactive fountains on warm days. Instagram+1

Picnic Perfect :sandwich:

Grab a spot on the lawn for a relaxing picnic amidst the art and greenery. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the sculptures! Reddit

Parking Tips :car:

Consider using Park Mobile for convenient downtown parking. Instagram

Art Appreciation :art:

Some sculptures are quirky, others unique. Embrace the variety! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Citygarden as a delightful urban oasis, highlighting its unique blend of art, water features, and green spaces. Many appreciate it as a free and engaging outing, especially for families. While some find certain sculptures 'weird,' the overall consensus is that it's a relaxing and visually interesting place to explore, offering a welcome respite in the heart of the city.

"Loved this garden! It's such a special place to find in the middle of a big city. The parks in downtown St.Louis are so nice! There are so many different sculptures and they are placed in so many special places throughout the garden. My children loved exploring the park even on a rainy June day. It's such a great free outing! I wish I lived here and could spend more time in this park."

Janai West

"Unless you love art, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit here but if you’re in the neighborhood, like I was, it’s worth a stroll. Some pretty neat sculptures, garden and water fountains. Not crowded when I walked through. It was nice and relaxing."

theDSsucks

"I can’t really explain why I’m attracted to Citygarden. Some of the sculptures I find appealing – others unique – and a few downright weird. But…it’s a nice bicycle ride from my apartment to here & back; roughly 10 miles in length. It keeps this septuagenarian (person in their 70’s) out of trouble & I get some exercise too.

I was glad to see the waterfall turned on yesterday morning (6/5/2025). Somehow flowing and/or falling water has a calming effect. I was also glad to see a security cop roaming the facility. I think we’re both about the same age. So…that keeps two old men busy & out of trouble. #sarcasm 😜"

Joseph Brown

What People Like

Unique sculptures
Interactive water features
Free admission

What People Dislike

Some sculptures are 'weird'

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Citygarden is located at 801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101, right in the heart of downtown. It's easily accessible by car, public transport, or even a pleasant bike ride. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are several parking options downtown. Many visitors recommend using the Park Mobile app for convenient parking solutions. Instagram

Absolutely! Many locals enjoy biking to Citygarden, with some reporting a 10-mile round trip as a great way to get exercise. Reddit

The park features paved, winding paths, making it generally stroller-friendly for families with young children. Instagram

The paved pathways throughout the park are designed to be accessible, allowing wheelchair users to navigate and enjoy the sculptures and water features. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Citygarden is a free public park, making it a fantastic budget-friendly outing for everyone. InstagramReddit

As a public park, Citygarden is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours for water features may vary seasonally. Instagram

No, tickets are not required as Citygarden is a free public space. You can visit anytime during park hours. Reddit

While not always advertised, the park is a popular spot for community gatherings and spontaneous enjoyment. Check local listings for any official events. Instagram

The park itself is open year-round, though the interactive water features are typically seasonal and operate during warmer months. Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park features 24 unique sculptures, interactive water fountains and splash pads, rain gardens, and open lawns for relaxation and picnics. Instagram+2

The water features, including the splash pad and fountains, are typically operational during warmer months, usually from late spring through early fall. Instagram+1

While not explicitly stated in all sources, public parks often have leash laws. It's best to check local regulations or assume dogs may need to be leashed if allowed. TikTok mentions a dog park at a different location.

Yes, some visitors have noted the presence of security personnel patrolling the park, contributing to a safe environment. Reddit

The collection includes a diverse range of modern and contemporary sculptures, with some being quite quirky and unique. InstagramReddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Citygarden itself does not have on-site restaurants, but it's surrounded by numerous dining options in downtown St. Louis. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal outdoors. Instagram

Downtown St. Louis offers a wide array of restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale dining, catering to various tastes and budgets. Instagram

Absolutely! The park's lawns and shaded areas are perfect for picnics. Instagram

While there are decorative water features, dedicated drinking water fountains for refilling bottles are not explicitly mentioned. It's advisable to bring your own water. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The sculptures themselves, the water features, and the green spaces offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The combination of art and urban landscape is very photogenic. Instagram+1

Yes, the vibrant sculptures and playful water elements make it a fun and engaging backdrop for family photos. Instagram+1

Drone usage in urban parks is often restricted due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the water features can add dynamic elements. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Citygarden is a fantastic destination for families! The interactive splash pads and wading pools are a huge hit, providing hours of fun on hot days. Instagram+1 The park's paved paths are stroller-friendly, and the open lawns offer plenty of space for kids to run around and explore the quirky sculptures. Instagram It's a free and engaging outing that combines art, nature, and play, making it a perfect spot for a family adventure. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, Citygarden offers a curated collection of 24 diverse sculptures from modern to contemporary influences. Instagram+1 The park's design thoughtfully integrates these artworks within lush green spaces and alongside water features, creating a unique gallery experience. Reddit You can spend hours discovering the different pieces and appreciating their placement within the urban landscape. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Citygarden is an absolute gem for budget-conscious travelers as it's completely free to enter. Reddit You can enjoy world-class sculptures, beautiful gardens, and even splash in the fountains without spending a dime. Instagram Pack a picnic lunch to save even more, making it an ideal way to experience a significant St. Louis attraction affordably. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of Citygarden

Citygarden, originally conceived as a two-block urban sculpture park, has undergone significant evolution since its opening in 2009. A key development was the permanent vacation and integration of 9th Street, which previously divided the park. This unification has created a more cohesive and expansive green space, enhancing the visitor experience and allowing for a more fluid exploration of its art and landscape features. Reddit

The park's design emphasizes native plants and a substantial tree canopy, contributing to its appeal as an urban oasis. These elements not only provide shade and aesthetic beauty but also support local biodiversity. The inclusion of public art is central to Citygarden's identity, with a diverse collection of sculptures that invite interaction and contemplation. Reddit

This ongoing development, including the addition of new sculptures and the enhancement of its natural elements, ensures that Citygarden remains a dynamic and engaging destination. It stands as a testament to thoughtful urban planning, successfully blending art, nature, and community spaces. InstagramReddit

Interactive Art and Water Play

One of the most celebrated aspects of Citygarden is its integration of interactive water features, making it a unique urban escape, especially during warmer months. The park boasts a children's spray plaza and wading pools that are a massive hit with families, offering a fun and refreshing way to cool down. Instagram+1 These playful elements transform the park into a lively destination where art meets recreation.

Beyond the splash zones, the park is adorned with 24 distinct sculptures, ranging from modern to contemporary styles. These artworks are strategically placed throughout the lawns and along winding paths, encouraging visitors to wander and discover. Instagram+1 The combination of visual art and the sensory experience of water creates a multi-layered engagement for visitors of all ages. Instagram

This blend of art and water play is a significant draw, offering a free and accessible way for people to enjoy the city. It transforms a downtown space into an inviting environment for relaxation, exploration, and family fun. InstagramReddit

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