Grand Rapids is home to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s 100 most visited art museums. Located within minutes of downtown Grand Rapids, this 158-acre museums blends sculptures with horticultures for a one of a kind experience.
About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
– Welcome Center
– Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
– Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
– Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden
– The Richard & Helen De Vos Japanese Garden
– Michigan’s Farm Garden
Location and Hours
Admission
Connect with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in 1995 with the support of Fred and Lena Meijer together with the West Michigan Horticultural Society. The museum is now an internationally recognized for the quality of the art and gardens. The facility has seen over twelve million guests since it’s opening. Their mission is to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment as well as the arts.
Meijer Gardens is home to Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory as well as five indoor theme gardens. Visitor’s can also enjoy outdoor gardens, nature trails and also a boardwalk. The 158-acre main campus is both barrier free and handicap accessible.
– Welcome Center
The Welcome Center is home to sculpture galleries and a permanent sculpture collection, library, café, gift shop, education center, restrooms as well as meeting rooms.
The David & Carol Van Andel Children’s Gallery is a 2,500 square foot space for children. Inspired by “the Secret Garden, this space includes ten engaging activities for young guests to explore.
Within the Welcome Center guests can explore and enjoy several galleries and gardens. The Holton Gallery features plants that live in an arid environment while the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory features tropical plants. Guests can also visit the Rooftop Sculpture garden, Balk Gallery, Holton Gallery, and the Victorian Garden Parlor, just to name a few.
If you are looking for a spot to grab a bite to eat, then check out the James & Shirley Balk Café. The café features salads, mac & cheese, sandwiches and also kids items. Enjoy the dazzling glass ceilings sculptures during your visit.
Butterflies are Blooming is an annual spring exhibition hosted within the Welcome Center during the months of March and April. Guests can discover the lifecycle of Monarchs as they evolve from tiny black and yellow caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. Visit with over 7,000 butterflies that represent over 60 different species. Tropical butterflies from around the world fly freely within the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
– Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater hosts concerts throughout the summer months. The space features terraced lawn seating, together with great views of gardens and nearby sculptures.
– Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
If you visit this museum with your family, then you won’t want to miss the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. This garden features a Kids Sense Garden, Rock Quarry, as well as a Great Lakes water feature. Families can also enjoy the Treehouse Village which connects four trees and hosts a giant bird nest. Get lost on the Butterfly Maze, or sit back and enjoy a book in the Storytelling Garden.
– Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden
This space features indigenous plants and animals. Enjoy the vibrant colors created by native trout lilies, daffodils, wildflowers as well as various shrubs. Visitors will be shaded by the tall trees in the summer months, while the various summer flowers come into bloom.
– The Richard & Helen De Vos Japanese Garden
Experience the Zen within these Japanese gardens. Tranquil waterfalls, an authentic Japanese Teahouse, together with a wide variety of Japanese flora and sculptures await you within this peaceful space.
– Michigan’s Farm Garden
Take a step back in time to a 1930’s family farm. Visit a farmhouse, barn, gardens, as well as animal sculptures that model the childhood home of Lena (Rader) Meijer.
Location and Hours
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Get Directions
(888) 957-1580
(616) 957-1580
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is conveniently located off off I-96, near the 196 interchange.
Hours
Meijer Gardens is open daily throughout the year, with the following exceptions: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Their current hours of operation are from 11 am until 5 pm on Sunday. Monday through Saturday, daily from 9 am until 5 pm. However they do offer extended hours during special exhibits and events.
Admission
Members FREE
Adults (14 – 64) $14.50
Seniors (65 and older) $11
Students (with student ID) $11
Museums for All $2
Children: (ages 5 up to 13) $7, (ages 3 and 4) $4, Children (ages 2 and younger) FREE
Connect with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Find more fun things to do in Grand Rapids at Grand Rapids Kids.
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Author: Yohana Isabella
Yohana Isabella is a former financial auditor turned stay at home mom of trilingual 4yo boy Charlie. She is passionate about photography, traveling, baking and cooking. She loves to explore new places, culture and food with her family all year round in Michigan and other states. She looks forward to contributing to Metro Detroit Mommy. Follow her journey in instagram https://www.instagram.com/detroitfoodieventure/
Yohana Isabella is a former financial auditor turned stay at home mom of trilingual 4yo boy Charlie. She is passionate about photography, traveling, baking and cooking. She loves to explore new places, culture and food with her family all year round in Michigan and other states. She looks forward to contributing to Metro Detroit Mommy.
Follow her journey in instagram
Photographer:
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
