Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: art & architecture, photo op
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features more than 40 modern artworks that blend creativity with landscape design. A collaboration between the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, it’s one of the country’s largest urban sculpture parks.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- See “Spoonbridge and Cherry” – Snap a photo of this playful fountain sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. It’s the beloved icon of Minneapolis.
- Explore the Walker Art Center – Step inside this neighboring museum to view cutting-edge exhibits that complement the outdoor works in the Sculpture Garden.
- Cross the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge – Walk this artistic pedestrian bridge linking the garden to Loring Park, offering skyline views and photo-worthy perspectives.
- Visit the Cowles Conservatory – Walk among exotic plants and admire Frank Gehry’s striking glass fish sculpture inside this tranquil glasshouse oasis.
- Go on an Art Scavenger Hunt – Challenge yourself to find all 40 sculptures throughout the garden, each offering its own story, texture, and creative twist.
Itinerary Idea: See Minneapolis from the vantage point of a narrated trolley tour, rolling past landmarks like the Sculpture Garden, Target Field, the Mary Tyler Moore statue, and the Kenwood Mansion District.
Photo Credit: Joe Passe/Flickr