Before you even get to Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, you’ll see incredible art sculptures along the local roads. It’s a tantalizing introduction for what you’ll see when you arrive at the 42-acre property.
Walking around the beautiful gardens is a pleasure in itself, but being able to view magnificent sculptures at the same time is a truly unique experience. While many of the over 300 pieces of art throughout the property are out in the open, others may be a little harder, and fun, to find. Off the main walkway you may see a little path and wonder, “What’s down that way?” It may be a sculpture of people having a picnic by a small pond, and in that pond you’ll see a sculpture of a boat and some ducks. More hidden paths lead to other delightful finds.
“That sense of discovery and surprise is such a big part of how the garden was designed,” says Executive Director, Gary Garrido Schneider. “There are quiet areas of contemplation, but then there's the awe of something spectacularly big and unexpected.” It’s said that the ponds by the Van Gogh Café and Gazebo are full of sacred lotus. When in bloom, they are just glorious.
The garden is welcoming all year round when the spring and summer flowers are in full bloom and when the leaves are bursting with colors in the fall. Wintertime has its own picturesque beauty.
Many of the sculptures stay the same, but others are changed out occasionally, so frequent visitors can still see their favorites, but there’s always something new to see too. Some sculptures move from indoor buildings to the gardens, such as Put Yourself in the Picture by Roberto Lugo, which was acquired after his 2022 show Roberto Lugo: The Village Potter in the Museum Building. Visitors can climb stairs to go inside this 20-foot vessel and become part of the artwork themselves.
The Domestic Arts and Museum buildings each have one exhibition a year and the Education Gallery changes its exhibitions seasonally. Currently on view inside and outside the Domestic Arts Building through September 1, 2025, is Slow Motion, guest curated by Patricia Eunji Kim for Monument Lab. Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me a World will be on view in the Museum Building from May 18, 2025, through January 11, 2026.
Another popular draw are the peacocks. “I think they add to that sense of wonder,” says Gary. “They're showy animals, and they love all the attention they get.”
Strolling around the gardens for hours may work up an appetite. Along with two cafes for light fare and beverages, its upscale restaurant Rat’s Restaurant offers fine cuisine for both lunch and dinner.
Due to the popularity of Grounds For Sculpture, timed tickets have to be reserved in advance. However, if you’re a member, you can come anytime at no additional cost throughout the year, and also receive discounts in the store as well as discounts at the café and restaurants. Members also get invited to special events. “We're a nonprofit, so membership also supports us,” he says.
There are also a full range of programs offered, including many wellness workshops. Members receive discounts on these courses as well. Private events, such as weddings and birthday parties, can also be held on the property.
To plan your visit, go to https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/.