As the weather turns colder and winter approaches, I am grateful for a spot where I can spend time outside, catch some rays, and hopefully enjoy lunch or a coffee too. Grounds for Sculpture, the 42-acre sculpture park, and arboretum in Hamilton, fits the bill perfectly.
Grounds for Sculpture was founded in 1992 by Seward Johnson. Johnson, an artist, philanthropist, and member of the Johnson & Johnson family, had an atelier in the area where hundreds of artists came to study and work. He saw potential in the property of the former New Jersey Fairgrounds for a site where artwork could be situated within the landscape, and visitors could spend time outdoors among the artwork ”…for an experience that elevates the soul and heals the spirit.” His vision became a reality, and in the almost 30 years since it opened, Grounds for Sculpture has become one of the premier cultural destinations in the State.
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The opportunity to see Seward Johnson’s works alone would be reason enough for a visit to the sculpture park. His incredibly realistic sculptures, whether life-size or gigantically over-sized, are awe-inspiring and popular subjects for selfies and Instagram posts. The Grounds for Sculpture collection also features works from many of the most important sculptors of the last 60 years, and pieces by contemporary sculptors are continually added. Today, more than 300 sculptures and artworks are strategically placed throughout the verdant landscape. One of the great pleasures of walking the grounds is coming around a bend or entering a stand of trees to discover a spectacular piece of sculpture in just the perfect spot – and a sun-drenched bench nearby from which to appreciate it.
Grounds for Sculpture is open Thursday–Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Winter hours through March 31 are 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. regardless of the weather. Timed-entry tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors may enter up to 30 minutes after the entry start time and can stay until closing.
For information and further details, visit the Grounds for Sculpture website at www.groundsforsculpture.org.
WHERE TO EAT
Indoor dining was not available at the time of publication, but the Van Gogh Café is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily with spacious outdoor seating in a lovely setting. It offers freshly made salads, sandwiches, snacks and treats, and very hot coffee.
Rat’s Restaurant, a charming country-French spot with wonderful food and drink, is located adjacent to the Grounds for Sculpture and is open with limited indoor and outdoor dining. Advance reservations are required. The walking path between the sculpture garden and the restaurant is temporarily closed, but Rat’s is two minutes up the road by car with plentiful parking. Check www.ratsrestaurant.com for the latest information.