Visiting the Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey - updated for 2024
Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is one of New Jersey”s most unique experiences. The attraction brands itself as a “different kind of museum”, where you can stroll the park and see, touch (respectfully!), and experience a wide range of contemporary sculpture created by both local and international artists.
It’s no wonder it is a popular location for weddings and special occasions as it is highly photogenic and eclectic. But it also makes just a nice relaxed day out, for art lovers or just nature appreciators. The atmosphere of this museum/ sculpture garden/ arboretum is playful - not stuffy at all.
What is the story behind the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton, NJ?
The park opened in 1992, the vision of J. Seward Johnson, sculptor and philanthropist, who wanted to bring contemporary art to the masses in an inviting, accessible way. It is spread over 42 acres of restored lands of the NJ Fairgrounds, creating a memorable cultural experience.
Many of Mr. Johnson’s own sculpture pieces are featured throughout the park, specifically the life-sized realistic romantic characters who populate the park in dress of different themed periods. There are cameos by some famous faces, like Vincent Van Gogh and even Seward Johnson himself.
Visitors are encouraged to interact and experience the artworks with their senses, in communion with nature. Pieces are found among the trees, in and around the lakes, streams, and reflecting ponds, towering in fields and hiding around corners. You’ll find figures lying in the grass, dancing on the hills and occupying benches. The gardens are beautifully kept and integrated with the exhibits.
Grounds for Sculpture also features six indoor galleries with rotating exhibits, as well as performances, lectures and workshops, including a popular Ceramics Studio, designed to spark creativity. Their Calendar of Events gives a comprehensive list of these changing events.
There are over 500 works in total, covering a broad collection of materials and styles, with 300 of those exhibited in the park year-round.
When is the best time to visit the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton, NJ?
As this is in my native state, I have visited Grounds for Sculpture several times now. I have to admit, the last couple of times, I was feeling a little jaded about it - like I’d seen it all before and there was nothing new. I felt a little like it was becoming more “roadside attraction” than the outdoor art museum it aspires to be.
But I can admit when I’m wrong.
What I realized after visiting recently was that although the Grounds for Sculpture is open year-round, it really shines in late spring and early summer.
You really do need to see it in bloom to totally appreciate the colorful gardens and how the sculptures are placed within the environment. It is designed to feel very natural and the colors just pop.
Speaking of color, keep an eye out for peacocks patrolling the grounds!
Another great reason to visit in spring is the preponderance of birds that can be heard singing and enjoying the garden habitat.
We would also recommend visiting on a weekday if you can. It’s a popular attraction so obviously the weekends are more crowded. Although they do regulate the crowds with timed tickets (more on that below) which is a nice thing. On a Monday afternoon visit in early June, there were definitely areas where we felt as if we had the park to ourselves.
Planning your trip the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton, NJ
If you want to visit the Grounds for Sculpture, you will need a timed ticket. This is best done ahead of time on their website, especially on popular weekends. Timings are spaced in half-hour intervals.
The Grounds for Sculpture is open 10 am-5pm most days, and is open till 9 pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday from May till September. Tickets are discounted for arrivals after 5 pm.
Members can enter at 8 am before the general public.
The price of Admission is $25 for adults. Discounts for seniors over 65, students, active military and healthcare workers. (You’ll need ID for that)
The Grounds for Sculpture is located in Hamilton, NJ, which is in the southern part of New Jersey, close to Trenton.
It is off Exit 7A of the NJ Turnpike and about 1 hr 40 minutes from NYC. There is sufficient parking on the premises for no extra charge.
You can certainly just wander about through the park and discover sculptures randomly, but if you would like a more planned route, there is a QR Code on your wristband that opens their interactive map on your cell phone. Although we couldn’t get the GPS component to work, we thought this was a pretty nice little feature.
Personal photos and videos of the sculptures are allowed and encouraged, but no drones, please. For professional photo and video shoots, advanced permission is required.
Here’s a fun tip: the surrounding roads leading up to the sculpture park is peppered with several pieces from their collection - some huge and imposing, some life-size and surprising when you realize they aren’t actual breathing people and have to do a double-take! So be on the look-out for them for a fun little treasure hunt.
Dining at the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton, NJ
Eating is pretty great at Grounds for Sculpture!
Rats -For a unique dining experience, make a reservation at Rats, the brightly colored, uniquely decorated, cozy French country-style restaurant that highlights the tranquil lake area of the park. Named for the character “Ratty” from the children’s book The Wind in the Willows, who famously loved to entertain, Rats truly feels like something out of a storybook; posh but comfortable, with an interesting selection of seasonal dishes that can be as colorful as the environment they are served in. In fact, everything about Rats is colorful - from the pretty blue goblets and place settings to the eye-catching foods.
We have eaten here several times, mostly for lunch, and also for Easter dinner a couple years ago and it has never disappointed. You will definitely need a reservation on a weekend. They have a delicious, eclectic seasonal menu. For the holiday meal we did here, we were served a multi-coursed, price fixed meal.
Rats is open from Wednesday to Sunday, serving Lunch from 11am to 3pm and Dinner from 5pm to 9pm.
You can also visit the bar from 3pm till closing.
In order to dine at Rats, however, you do need to purchase a timed ticket into the park. So it takes a little planning, but it’s worth it!
The amazing ceiling at Van Gogh’s Cafe.
Van Gogh’s Cafe - If you want a less expensive eating choice in the park, you can visit Van Gogh’s Cafe, located in the Welcome Center for a variety of drinks, coffee, snacks and bakery items. You can sit inside or out by the pond, which was lovely, and I can personally attest that the coffee and bakes items we shared were very good!
Picnic in the Park - From spring thru fall, weather permitting, as an alternative to the fine dining experience at Rats, or casual grab & go at Van Gogh’s, Rats also offers picnic lunches in a cooler bag that you can order and picnic in the park. It includes a bottle of wine and costs around $65 for lunch for two.
FAQs about visiting the Grounds for Sculpture
Can I bring outside food into the Grounds for Sculpture?
You can bring water into the Grounds for Sculpture, but no other outside food. Eating options are available in the park, though reservations are recommended for Rats Restaurant.
Is alcohol allowed in the Grounds for Sculpture?
No outside alcohol is allowed. Alcohol is available at the bar at Rats Cafe.
How much time is needed at the Grounds for Sculpture?
2-3 hours is recommended. You will be doing a lot of walking so plan accordingly.
Other great things to do in New Jersey:
Blog post: Exploring Sandy Hook
Blog post: Visiting Asbury Park
Blog post: Visiting Princeton
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