Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ
If you love nature, and you love art, this is one place you want to visit because the combination of the two are magical. I honestly can't believe that I've lived in New Jersey my entire life and never heard about Grounds for Sculpture. First of all, this 42-acre park was designed and 'decorated' with the most gorgeous landscaping I've ever seen in a park. In addition to that, the 270 contemporary sculptures that are scattered about, but purposely placed, work with the landscaping to tell us stories. It's a theme park for adults where you can relax, be entertained, and absorb some culture.
You will feel like you went back in time. The park opened in 1992 on what was formerly the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. J. Seward Johnson, a sculptor himself and the grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I (one of the co-founders of Johnson & Johnson), created this wonderful tribute to sculpture to showcase not only his works of art but also many other sculptors from around the world. He wanted to share his love of this art with the general public, and we are thankful that he did. What he wanted to portray was the feeling that we were inside impressionistic paintings that had come to life. Goal accomplished.
Imagine living inside the paintings of some of the most brilliant artists you have known and loved. That possibility is a reality at Grounds for Sculpture. As you turn each corner, enter hidden alcoves, or go up and over each hill, what awaits you is transformative experience that is different and unique to each individual since we all see art differently. There are surprises everywhere.
Scenes from paintings of Renoir, Claude-Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Rousseau and so many other artists come to life and they are mesmerizing. Spectacular at the very least. Each creation from every sculptor captures and portrays the original painter's imagination as if it really happened. The interpretations are exquisite.
In addition to sculptures, the majestic gardening and horticulture aspect of the park will attract an entirely different audience. The grounds are spectacular, adorned with brilliant flowers, trees, and decorative shrubbery. Interesting bridges, tree houses, gazebos and peacocks with their babies roaming the grounds add to the beauty.
While you are exploring, you can take a break and bring along a picnic to enjoy on these picturesque grounds. If picnics aren't your thing, stop by the Peacock Cafe for a delicious salad or sandwich. And if that's not enough, Rat's Restaurant will provide you with one of the best lunch, dinners or Sunday brunches you've had in a while. With an eclectic menu, there's something for everyone. Their Sunday brunch, though, is insane. Some of the offerings (they change weekly) include a pastry table, with assorted cheeses and fruits; a breakfast station; omelette station; lunch station with roast chicken and braised beef brisket; and dessert station that includes favorites like mini mousse cups and lemon meringue tarts. And the best thing about brunch is that you can walk it off afterwards, as you spend a few more hours admiring the grounds.
Whether you appreciate gardening, sculpting or just a tranquil, beautiful place to spend the day, Grounds of Sculpture is a stunning gift to New Jersey that should not be missed. What a wonderful experience and a great way to spend your day.
Website: www.groundsforsculpture.org
If you love nature, and you love art, this is one place you want to visit because the combination of the two are magical. I honestly can't believe that I've lived in New Jersey my entire life and never heard about Grounds for Sculpture. First of all, this 42-acre park was designed and 'decorated' with the most gorgeous landscaping I've ever seen in a park. In addition to that, the 270 contemporary sculptures that are scattered about, but purposely placed, work with the landscaping to tell us stories. It's a theme park for adults where you can relax, be entertained, and absorb some culture.
You will feel like you went back in time. The park opened in 1992 on what was formerly the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. J. Seward Johnson, a sculptor himself and the grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I (one of the co-founders of Johnson & Johnson), created this wonderful tribute to sculpture to showcase not only his works of art but also many other sculptors from around the world. He wanted to share his love of this art with the general public, and we are thankful that he did. What he wanted to portray was the feeling that we were inside impressionistic paintings that had come to life. Goal accomplished.
Imagine living inside the paintings of some of the most brilliant artists you have known and loved. That possibility is a reality at Grounds for Sculpture. As you turn each corner, enter hidden alcoves, or go up and over each hill, what awaits you is transformative experience that is different and unique to each individual since we all see art differently. There are surprises everywhere.
Scenes from paintings of Renoir, Claude-Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Rousseau and so many other artists come to life and they are mesmerizing. Spectacular at the very least. Each creation from every sculptor captures and portrays the original painter's imagination as if it really happened. The interpretations are exquisite.
In addition to sculptures, the majestic gardening and horticulture aspect of the park will attract an entirely different audience. The grounds are spectacular, adorned with brilliant flowers, trees, and decorative shrubbery. Interesting bridges, tree houses, gazebos and peacocks with their babies roaming the grounds add to the beauty.
While you are exploring, you can take a break and bring along a picnic to enjoy on these picturesque grounds. If picnics aren't your thing, stop by the Peacock Cafe for a delicious salad or sandwich. And if that's not enough, Rat's Restaurant will provide you with one of the best lunch, dinners or Sunday brunches you've had in a while. With an eclectic menu, there's something for everyone. Their Sunday brunch, though, is insane. Some of the offerings (they change weekly) include a pastry table, with assorted cheeses and fruits; a breakfast station; omelette station; lunch station with roast chicken and braised beef brisket; and dessert station that includes favorites like mini mousse cups and lemon meringue tarts. And the best thing about brunch is that you can walk it off afterwards, as you spend a few more hours admiring the grounds.
Whether you appreciate gardening, sculpting or just a tranquil, beautiful place to spend the day, Grounds of Sculpture is a stunning gift to New Jersey that should not be missed. What a wonderful experience and a great way to spend your day.
Website: www.groundsforsculpture.org