Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park located in Central Jersey, is known for its peaceful atmosphere, incredible art exhibitions and atmospheric dining. We recently had a chance to attend Swirl: An Evening of Art & Wine, an annual fundraiser for GFS that features a docent-led tour of the garden where we learned about five sculptures and tasted five premium food and wine pairings curated by the chef and sommelier at Rat’s Restaurant, which is located on the premises.
This serene and sparkling evening reminded us how great Grounds for Sculpture is and why it should really be on everyone’s spring to-do list. Whether you’re looking for a family day trip, a day date with your partner or an evening out with the moms, there is truly something for everyone at this incredible place.
Besides the fact that GFS gets you and the kids outdoors and walking (yay!), it’s also an opportunity to view some truly incredible sculptures. I was surprised to find so many sculptures that I hadn’t seen on previous visits – there are many rotating exhibitions, so chances are you are going to discover something new when you visit. Kids will enjoy coming up with their own interpretations of the more abstract pieces, and it’s always fun to see the amazingly realistic-looking castings of living people by the garden’s founder, Seward Johnson.
A wonderful way to enjoy GFS is their Van Gogh Picnics in the Park. You can
pre-order picnic at the Van Gogh Café and enjoy it on the grounds. My husband and I did this in the past and it was a fun (and delicious!) day date. You’ll get an insulated Constellation tote ($70 + tax) packed with artisanal starters, gourmet sandwiches or salads and your choice of wine (white, red, rosé, sparkling or zero-proof). Then you decide if you’d rather picnic on the grass in the gardens or take a seat the peaceful Acer Courtyard among the roaming peacocks you’ll find there. We loved this experience because it’s a fun afternoon without the work of having to put together the picnic yourself! If you want to bring the kids, they also have kids’ boxed lunches available for $10. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance by emailing PicnicinthePark@ConstellationCulinary.com.
Here are some more spring events coming up at GFS that you won’t want to miss:
Annual Plant Sale – May 3 & 4 Celebrate the arrival of spring at GFS’s Annual Plant Sale, a horticultural highlight featuring a vibrant selection of plants grown on-site. Guests can get expert advice from the GFS horticulture team and pick up unique additions for their gardens while supporting the beautiful grounds.
Mother’s Day at Rat’s Restaurant  A visit to Rat’s Restaurant is like stepping into a storybook. This year, Rat’s will host a special Mother’s Day Brunch, offering French-inspired dishes in a magical setting. Stroll the scenic Grounds for Sculpture before enjoying Mother’s Day brunch on the terrace or an intimate meal in the charming dining room. Make a reservation here.
Wordsmith: A Def Poetry Reunion Honoring Sonia Sanchez – June 12 Join Grounds for Sculpture for an unforgettable evening celebrating the legacy of legendary poet and activist Sonia Sanchez. This special event brings together Def Poetry pioneers for a reunion performance filled with rhythm, power, and purpose—honoring one of Philadelphia’s most iconic voices. The evening includes the opportunity to explore the sculpture park, food trucks for pay-as-you-go flavors and exhibitions Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me A World and Slow Motion.
Also coming soon are Lobster Bake Nights at Rat’s. This July, Rat’s will launch its Lobster Bake, a festive outdoor dining experience featuring fresh lobster, coastal-inspired sides, and a beautiful garden setting that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Grounds for Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. The park is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays). You can purchase timed admission tickets online or call 609-586-0616 for more info.
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