When Michiganders think of "Meijer", we think of the discount chain that's the Mitten State's answer to Walmart. But, take a day trip to Grand Rapids and you'll find a very classy twist to the discount name.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is 132 acres of the most amazing horticultural and sculptural art displays that the region has to offer. This is no red-tag sale art display either. A meander through the outdoor park will find you encountering works from the likes of Rodin, Pomodor, Keith Haring to name a few.
Inside, turn a bend in the Victorian Greenhouse and you'll encounter a Degas and yet another Rodin, casually mixed amongst the flora. In addition to the Victorian Greenhouse, indoor attractions include a tropical greenhouse (complete with waterfall), a carnivorous garden, ever-changing collections of international art displays, a delicious cafe (Try any menu item made with wheat berry bread. You won't regret it!) and gift shop that I just couldn't leave alone.
But, let's head back outdoors for awhile. Hope you're wearing your comfiest walking shoes! There's so much to see (allow, at least, a full morning or afternoon for your visit.) Every turn will lead you winding down another path you didn't realize existed. Sculptures, gardens, a waterfall that pours into the most gorgeous koi pond.
Not to mention the beautiful amphitheater that hosts an A-list concert series throughout the summer months.
Most importantly, don't forget to pack a camera! There are too many priceless photo-ops to pass up. You'll lose your inhibitions as you encounter troves of other visitors who refuse to miss out on the chance to drop their guard and allow life to mimic art for a day.
Mad Mom, by Tom Otterness. (Joined by mine.)
Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. (He's a-pickin', I'm a grinnin'!)
Aria, by Alexander Liberman must be experienced from the inside out!
Louise Bourgeois created this Spider. I'm the one who squished it!
More highlights from the Sculpture Park:
Espaliered Girl, by Laura Ford
Figure on a Trunk, by Madalena Abankanowicz
I, You, He or She, by Jaume Plensa
Eve, by Auguste Rodin
Tools in Their Places, by Jim Dine (I guess that's where they go!)
Large Parrot Screams Color, also by Dine
Small Dryfork Horse, by Deborah Butterfield
Julia, by Keith Haring (Bet you thought he only did t-shirts!)
Listening to History, by Bill Woodrow
Sculpture Park Tip: At the entrance of the outdoor park, near the amphitheater and across from the Children's Garden, you'll find the tram station. Tram tours depart about every half hour and cost a mere $3 per guest. The tram can't squeeze down every single nook and cranny, but the narrated tour is quite comprehensive and worth much more than the price of admission. Tickets are first come-first serve, so get to the station well before your desired departure time.
Speaking of the Children's Garden:
The art collection found in the Children's Garden rivals the quality of the pieces found in the "grown up" areas of the park.
(Click any photo to enlarge.)
Kids also won't want to miss the chance to sail a toy vessel around the garden's "Great Lakes".
I can't forget the biggest (and, I mean BIGGEST) attraction at the park:
The da Vinci designed American Horse
A photo op, not, to be miss by any visitor. Learn more about this larger than life equine by clicking here and here.
Frederik Meijer Gardens is easily found right off of I-96 in Grand Rapids, and is well worth the drive for any art buff, horticultural fanatic or amateur photographer of any age.
Bring the kids, bring the grandparents. The park is easily accessible to every age group and special need. Hope to see your pictures next!
No comments:
Post a Comment