Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Complete Guide: From Spoonbridge to Hidden Gems (Updated 2025)
Did you know the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden underwent a major renovation and reopened in June 2023? It had been closed for three years prior, and since then, it has welcomed visitors with refreshed landscapes and some new pieces to explore.
The garden spans 11 acres of diverse outdoor art, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.
When I visited the garden during a tour with the Roseville Visitors Association, I was thrilled to experience its vibrant atmosphere.
What’s the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden All About?
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of several sculpture gardens in Minnesota that offers free admission to visitors. Situated on the edge of downtown, it serves as an oasis of modern art, attracting locals and tourists alike with monumental pieces like the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry.
The gardens are located adjacent to the Walker Art Center, another must-visit spot for art enthusiasts. Here are some highlights to seek out during your visit.
What to Look For:
Hahn/Cock by Katharina Fritsch. It’s impossible to miss. This quirky, 25-foot-tall blue rooster is both unnatural and delightful, making it a prime selfie spot and a beloved addition to the garden.
The Black Vessel for a Satin, by Theaster Gates. This installation evokes a medieval era with its custom-made brick walls crafted from leftover materials. Be sure to peek inside!
The Spoonbridge and Cherry is undoubtedly the most popular and iconic attraction in the gardens. On warm summer days, it transforms into a misting fountain.
Visitors walking on the west side get a refreshing cool-down from the mist—or perhaps a surprising startle!
Two-way Mirror Punched Steel Hedge Labyrinth by Dan Graham. This unique piece features two-way mirrors and punched steel, allowing you to see both your reflection and through it.
My husband and I played around a little with it to give a composite of both our faces. It turned out creepy in my opinion, but it was fun to try.
Selections from The Living Series, by Jenny Holzer. To the unsuspecting park visitor, there is a nice set of benches lining the entrance to the gardens.
But as soon as you look closely, you’ll find there are a series of different ‘truisms’ and little quotes about life.
What most people don’t realize is that the sculptures extend past the garden area. There is an additional garden right beside the Walker Art Center. That is where the Wurtele Upper Garden, is located.
What happened to the trees?
The remodel, completed in 2017, involved more than just replacing some art pieces. It also required rebuilding some of the below-grade drainage and infrastructure issues.
This meant that they had to remove a lot of the trees that were adorning the park. They were as much a part of the sculpture garden as the artwork was.
To Minnesota residents, it was heartbreaking to see. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden planted 360 new trees in their place.
By 2025, these trees have had about eight years to mature, contributing to the garden’s lush landscape once again. Like with anything, the change was sad at the time. But it was needed and the garden has thrived since.
Other Things to Know
Cost
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is completely free. You can wander up to visit as many times as you like. This makes it a favorite for a lot of people in the city as well as families and those visiting from out of town.
Getting There
The Gardens are located off of Highway 94 on the West Side of Minneapolis. The official intersection is from Hennepin Ave S and Lyndale.
Because of its proximity to the highway, I recommend following Google Maps’ official route to get you there the easiest.
Parking
Parking is located in the two adjacent lots by the Walker Art Center for a small fee. It is hard to miss. Street parking is also available.
Hours
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open year-round from 6 am – midnight.
Tips For the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Tip 1
Download the Self-Guided tour before you leave. It’s great for adults and kids alike to create a more interactive experience.
Tip 2
Bring a sketchpad and get inspired by the artwork. The gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy some of these great works of art.
Tip 3
Consider going on a Thursday evening around 4pm. The Walker Art Center, located right next door, has a large collection of modern art. Check their website for current admission and events.
Tip 4
Bring a snack and some water. There is no street food nearby unless a truck happens to be in the area.
Tip 5
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Cost is always one of the free things to do in MPLS, making it one of the best features of the city. It’s also part of a great collection of over 28 Free Museums in the Twin Cities.
Tip 6
Get there early. Around lunchtime on a beautiful day, the gardens become very popular with people clamoring to get the perfect selfie with their sculptures. Avoid the craziness and arrive early.
Other Things to do nearby
Loring Park
Take the pedestrian bridge over to Loring Park. The park is used for all kinds of different events. During the summer months, it has some great fountains, including and splash pad.
Nicollet Mall
Nicollet Mall is an outdoor shopping area in the heart of Downtown. The mall is all part of a street starting at…. And ending the Minneapolis Central Library.
Some of the best things to look out for is the Mary Tyler Moore Statue located on 7th Street and the Gaviidae Commons, made famous in the original Mighty Ducks Movie.
St. Paul Capitol
The St. Paul Capitol offers free tours daily and is a wealth of fine art and classic architecture. Outside during the summer, you can also explore the gardens, making it a full day’s adventure.
Franconia Sculpture Garden
Not exactly nearby, but it’s another free Sculpture Park in MN. Located near Taylors Falls, this Park uses recycled materials and other fun materials to create an ever-changing rotation of artwork the whole family will love.
Food
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is in a weird area, surrounded by apartments, sports fields, and a highway. They serve American-style food and Cocktails. Any other food options, and you’ll have to get in your car and head somewhere else.
If you only have an Hour
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden should only take you about an hour to get through unless you want to do sketches or are trying to set up elaborate photography, you don’t need much more time.
I hope you take the time to get out to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. I always have a great time whenever I go to the gardens. With the cooler weather creeping up on us, it’s a perfect time! Check out my list of the Top Things to See in the Twin Cities here.
Pin For Later
