Informational content only — always verify hours and admission with each garden before visiting.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park — The American Horse

Michigan · Est. 1995

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

A major cultural attraction jointly focused on horticulture and sculpture.

Founded

1995

Size

158 acres

Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 6a

Best Season

May to October

About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids Township, Michigan. It features a tropical conservatory, an 8-acre Japanese garden, and major works of modern and contemporary sculpture on the grounds and indoors. The park is a well-attended cultural site, having attracted over 16 million visitors since its opening.

History & Heritage

The park was established in 1995, with land donated by Frederik Meijer and support from Lena Meijer, and first opened to the public on April 20, 1995. The museum was renamed the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in their honor in 2002. In 2017, the organization began significant renovations and additions of new spaces, designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects.

Signature Feature

The American Horse

Among the many highlights for visitors is The American Horse, sculpted by Nina Akamu as a homage to the original commission to Leonardo da Vinci of the Duke of Milan. This monumental bronze sculpture stands 24 feet tall and is a centerpiece of the 30-acre outdoor sculptural park.

Photo Gallery

Lush botanical garden with tropical plants

Lush botanical garden with tropical plants

People gathered in a lush botanical garden

People gathered in a lush botanical garden

Abstract sculpture with textured surface

Abstract sculpture with textured surface

Notable Collections

Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory

A five-story, 15000-square-foot facility supporting tropical plants from around the world.

Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden

An 8-acre garden featuring zen-style and bonsai gardens, scenic bridges, waterfalls, and a tea house.

Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden

A garden featuring woodland plants including ferns, hostas, bleeding hearts, rhododendrons, and azaleas.

Permanent Sculpture Collection

Contains over 300 artworks by prominent sculptors including Claes Oldenburg, Louise Bourgeois, and Ai Weiwei.

Plan Before You Go

Hours, Parking & Accessibility

Hours & Seasonal Timing

Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat: 9 AM - 5 PM; Tue, Fri: 9 AM - 9 PM; Sun: 11 AM - 5 PM

Best seasonal window: May to October

Parking & Arrival

On site (no charge)

Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with tram rides available for a convenient scenic tour of the outdoor Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.

Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.

Recognition & Awards

  • 10Best Readers Choice Awards - #1 Sculpture Park in the United States (USA Today, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Eleven of the World's Greatest Sculpture Parks (Artsy, 2018)

Editorial Standards

This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.

Plan Your Visit

May to October

Address

1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Phone

888-957-1580

Hours

Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat: 9 AM - 5 PM; Tue, Fri: 9 AM - 9 PM; Sun: 11 AM - 5 PM

Admission

Adults $30, Seniors (65+) $22.50, Students w/ ID $22.50, Children (3-13) $15, Children (Under 2) Free

Parking

On site (no charge)

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with tram rides available for a convenient scenic tour of the outdoor Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Insider Tips

  • 1Hop aboard the tram for a convenient scenic tour of the outdoor Gardens & Sculpture Park.
  • 2Take a break at the James & Shirley Balk Café, offering fresh seasonal menu options with outdoor views.
  • 3Visit the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory to explore exotic plants and waterfalls.
  • 4Explore the 8-acre Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden for a serene experience.

Nearby Attractions

  • Grand Rapids Public Museum (3.5 miles)
  • Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (4.5 miles)
  • John Ball Zoo (4.8 miles)

For an overnight visit, compare options around the garden address and choose the route, accessibility features, and cancellation terms that fit your plans.

All Michigan Gardens