Laumeier Sculpture Park creates memorable space for art in nature

Do you like art? Nature? Learning? Having fun? I sure do, and it so happens Laumeier Sculpture Park has them all. Not surprising it was love at first sight.

I toured the park during a visit to St. Louis this spring. It’s one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country. And like any good gem, Laumeier has many facets.

A memorable outdoor museum. The park displays more than 70 large-scale, contemporary sculptures throughout the 105-acre campus.

An urban green space. Those 105 acres include walking paths, trails, even woodland. Operated in partnership with St. Louis County Parks, Laumeier is just 20 minutes by car from downtown St. Louis. Entry is free.

An arts education center. The former Laumeier home has been renovated as the Kranzberg Education Lab, offering creative workshops year round.

An event venue. Throughout the year, Laumeier hosts a variety of fun events. It’s also popular for weddings.

What is the history of Laumeier Sculpture Park?

The parks’s origins lie with two generous people. In 1968, Matilda Laumeier gifted her home and 72-acre property to create a public park.

A few years later, artist and St. Louis native Ernest Trova donated 40 of his large-scale artworks to help establish a sculpture collection. Laumeier Sculpture Park opened that same year.

Since that time, Laumeier has grown, both in size and in stature. The park has become an internationally-recognized nonprofit arts organization and one of the most highly regarded sculpture parks in the country.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the park is a beloved St. Louis cultural institution and serves over 350,000 visitors every year.

Laumeier Sculpture Park Memorable art

Laumeier Sculpture Park has memorable art galore, and has been adding to their collection since they opened close to 50 years ago. I loved that gender equity was a cornerstone of the park’s acquisitions policy. From the beginning, when new sculptures were added, 50 percent were by women artists.

During my tour, I enjoyed finding the work of artists familiar to me from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Walker Art Center, and the Weisman Art Museum.

I was happy to greet pieces by Niki de Saint Phalle, Judith Shea, Dan Graham, Jenny Holzer, and Sol LeWitt . I also enjoyed experiencing new-to-me artists, like Alexander Liberman, Ernest Trova, Tony Tasset, and more.

Alexander Liberman, The Way 

You can’t talk about Laumeier Sculpture Park without talking about The Way. Built on site in 1980, the enormous artwork by Alexander Liberman is the park’s signature sculpture and a St. Louis icon. 100 feet tall, over 100 feet wide, weighing 55 tons and painted cadmium red, it’s hard to miss.

The Way, which Liberman created from 18 salvaged steel oil tanks, was in the final stages of a major restoration when I visited the park. After more than 40 years outdoors, parts of the structure had rusted through. Several sections were replaced, one 54 feet long.

The concrete plinth was resurfaced and the sculpture’s surface was sandblasted to remove layers of old paint. A few new coats of cadmium red, and The Way will be looking good.

Niki de Saint Phalle, Ricardo Cat

Niki de Saint Phalle was a well-known sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and author. French born, her work is displayed in important museums all over Europe and the United States.

The playful Stravinsky Fountain, next to the Centre Pompidou in Paris, was created by Sainte Phalle and her longtime collaborator, Jean Tinguely. I saw it years ago, and the fountain, along with the Centre Pompidou itself, it gave me a newfound appreciation for contemporary art.

One of my local art haunts is Minneapolis’ Weisman Art Museum. The Weisman has a wonderful Saint Phalle sculpture in their collection, one of her Nanas. I’m always happy to encounter another one of her works.

I was immediately drawn to her sculpture in Laumeier, Ricardo Cat. He’s charming, colorful, a bit sparkly, and seems to be greeting you with welcoming arms. 

Ricardo Cat is lavishly decorated with ceramic tile, stained glass, mirrors, and stones. Other women I was on the tour with also gravitated toward the big cat.

He is a lovely photo opp, and generally just lovely. Sainte Phalle’s art tends to render joy.

Please note: It is okay to sit inside Ricardo Cat, but don’t climb on him.

Dan Graham, Triangular Bridge Over Water

In 1990, Laumeier commissioned Dan Graham to create a piece in Laumeier’s eastern woods. Graham’s work was part of a unique, site-specific sculpture program. The art was designed to be both conceptually and physically integrated with the environment.

It is a working bridge. The deck is a fine steel grid, allowing views of the creek that runs below. The structure is an open trellis on one side, a half-inch thick wall of tinted glass on the other, forming an equilateral triangle.

From inside the bridge, the wall is a window. From outside, the mirror-like surface reflects the sky and surrounding landscape. The piece may galvanize viewers to reflect as well, on how the way we perceive something changes according to where we’re standing.

Tony Tasset, Eye

Eye is quickly becoming another iconic work at Laumeier. The colossal eye, modeled on the artist’s, measures almost 38 feet around. The man walking his dog to the left of the sculpture gives you an idea of scale.

The eye is striking as it stares unblinking across the landscape, watching over Laumeier night and day.

Similar to how Triangular Bridge encourages reflection about perception and perspective, the Eye’s gaze inspires us to think about how we see and perceive one another, as well as the natural environment around us.

Several Laumeier artworks feature bronze maquettes for visitors with sight impairments. See the maquette for Bornibus in the photo above.

Urban Green Space

Laumeier Sculpture Park’s mission is to engage the community through art and nature. In addition to all the memorable art, the park serves as a public green space, a sanctuary from busy urban life.

Sculptures are interwoven with woodlands and trails, so visitors are immersed in both art and nature.

Bikes are allowed on the paved loop, though this is really more a walking and hiking destination. If you’re on a bike, be very careful of pedestrians.

You’re welcome to picnic in the park, just no glass bottles, please. Leashed dogs are welcome to come along.

Laumeier Sculpture Park walking paths and trails

Add Laumeier to your list of St. Louis hiking trails. There are walking paths and trail hikes for a variety of ages and abilities. Be sure to bring the park map along to help you navigate.

You can download the park map through this link. Maps are also available in a kiosk near the main parking lot, and are posted on signs throughout the park. 

The Central Pathway is a 0.64-mile paved loop that includes some of the park’s most beloved sculptures, including Tony Tasset’s Eye and Alexander Liberman’s The Way.

The paved path is both stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Bicycles are allowed, but exercise caution, as mostly pedestrians use the path.

The Art Hike Trail (pedestrians only) spans 0.77 miles through Laumeier’s Eastern Woodland. Natural surface trails include stream crossings, shady areas, and cool sculptures. The 0.15-mile Western Woodland Trail is a short, 10-minute hike along the west side of The Way Field.

Of course, you can combine all the trails for a longer walk. Enjoy!

For more art in nature in St. Louis, check out Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

Arts Education Programs

St. Louis art lovers don’t have to stop at admiring art. They can learn to create their own.

A feature of the park is the beautiful former home of Matilda and Henry Laumeier, circa 1917. The home was renovated in 2015 to house the Kranzberg Education Lab, where creative workshops take place year round.

Laumeier offers a range of arts education programming for all ages, from pre-K to adult. Programs are designed for people with a wide variety of interests.

Classes, taught by local artist-instructors, encourage self-expression and artistic development. Small class sizes guarantee individual attention, and participants have plenty of freedom to explore. Materials are provided.

Laumeier Summer Art Camp

Laumeier offers lots of summer programming for kids and teens of all ages. From a half-day art camp for pre-kindergarten age to teen summer apprenticeships, you’ll find something for your young artist.

Art Camp combines hands-on art classes with nature walks and recreational activities, providing outlets for both creative and physical energy.

Young artists adventure into an inspiring new world full of sculptures, natural wonders, and imaginative art projects. Laumeier also offers before and after care.

Clay Pottery Classes

Experienced local ceramic artists teach clay classes and workshops in Laumeier’s dedicated Clay Lab.

During one-day workshops and multi-day clay classes for youth, teens and adults, participants work at their own pace. Experienced instructors provide guidance to help students improve their skills.

Mud and Merlot combines a relaxing glass of wine with instruction in clay pottery making. What could be better after a stressful day?

And lots more

Check out the Laumeier website education tab to learn about all their offerings, including Pre-K half-day programs, family workshops, yoga in the park, and free Sunday walking tours. You can also participate in a biodiversity project!

Aronson Fine Arts Center

Laumeier Sculpture Park offers an indoor museum, too. The Aronson Fine Arts Center displays temporary exhibitions and provides space for programs and events. Designed by Trivers Associates, the architecture is sculptural in nature, making it a perfect fit with the park.

Past exhibitions include Yayoi Kusama‘s Narcissus Garden, the first large-scale, solo exhibition of Kusama’s work in St. Louis. The 2023 exhibition was one of the park’s most popular, attracting nearly 10,000 visitors.

When I visited Laumeier, the exhibition on display was Hugh Hayden‘s American Vernacular. I was so impressed by both the beautifully designed modern building with its soaring structure and the quality of the beautifully curated exhibition.

A quote from Hayden perfectly speaks to the exhibit. “All of my work is about the American dream, whether it’s a table that’s hard to sit at or a thorny school desk. It’s a dream that is seductive, but difficult to inhabit.”

Featuring works from the last decade, as well as new pieces, it was a memorable and thought-provoking exhibition. Hayden’s art challenges notions of the American dream and belonging. I look forward to seeing more of his work.

Laumeier Sculpture Park Events

Throughout the year, Laumeier hosts a variety of fun public events. St. Louis art lovers, foodies, and holiday shoppers will all find events tailored just for them.

Laumeier Art Fair
Mother’s Day weekend

If you’re looking for an art fair in St. Louis, this is the one you want to attend. The annual Laumeier Art Fair, now in its 37th year, is their largest event with more than 18,000 attendees.

The three-day outdoor fair is held over Mother’s Day weekend. Visitors will find unique art for sale from more than 150 juried artists, local food and beverage vendors, hands-on creative activities, live music, and entertainment.

The Art Fair is also Laumeier’s largest fundraising event . The $10 (2024) admission fee helps to keep the park going.

It’s an anticipated event for artists as well as patrons, drawing artists from all around the country to participate in the St. Louis art scene.

Artists exhibit their work in ten media categories, including ceramics, glass, painting, photography and printmaking. Artist awards are a part of the festivities.

Finally Friday Series
Summer Fridays

Want to check out a few food trucks in St. Louis, convientlly located in one spot alongside great art? Each Friday during the summer months (May 31 to August 30), there’s a food truck congregation at Laumeier Sculpture Park.

Celebrate it being Finally Friday! Food and beverage vendors change weekly, with some repeats later in the season.

The line-up always includes a beer vendor (St. Louis is one of the world’s brewing capitals, after all) and something sweet, along with a specialty food vendor like Wok-O Taco or Grace Chicken + Fish.

I was familiar with a couple of this summer’s vendors, Sugarfire and Sugarwitch (see a pattern?) Sugarfire has fantastic barbeque and I really liked their sugar pie.

Sugarwitch has primo ice cream sandwiches—like mint chip ice cream and and salted mint brownie. Yikes! so good.

See the full vendor list on the Finally Friday events page.

Laumeier After Dark
Early November

One of Laumeier’s most anticipated events is Laumeier After Dark. Held in early November, it’s a unique opportunity to experience Laumeier at night.

Among fascinating light-based art installations, you’ll find the park’s sculpture collection and trails creatively illuminated. You’ll enjoy cozy fire pits and live music, along with some of St. Louis’ best food and beverage vendors.

Top that off with a night market, packed with one-of-a-kind goods from local makers.

Check the park’s website for information about Laumeier After Dark.

Holiday Pop-up Shop
Early December

Do you love to be able to do your gift shopping and support local artists at the same time? Well, the Laumeier Holiday Pop-Up Shop is the perfect place to do just that!

During the first two weekends in December, you’ll find hundreds of handmade items on display in the Aronson Fine Arts Center and the Kranzberg Education Lab, all available for purchase.

In addition, outdoor food and beverage vendors add to the fun. Admission is free. If you want to be among the first to shop the artisan vendors, you may purchase early bird admission (or a membership!)

Find more information about the Holiday Pop-Up Shop here.

Upcoming new work

A new work will open to the public on August 24, Metamorphosis, by the Laumeier Visiting Artist in Residence, Monika Weiss. The work is a sculptural and sonic installation dedicated to victims of gender-based violence around the world.

Metamorphosis will be installed on the Art Hike trail from August 24 to December 15, 2024. Events related to the installation include an opening celebration, live performances with local vocalists, and artist talks. For details, see Upcoming Exhibition/Monika Weiss.

Visiting Laumeier Sculpture Park

Address and Contact Information

12580 Rott Road St. Louis, MO 63127
314.615.5278
info@Laumeier.org

Hours

Laumeier is open daily from 7 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset, year-round, with the exception of special events. Admission is free.

Restrooms are available in The Way Field and the Carriage House.

Parking

Laumeier has plentiful parking with 5 parking lots located near the 3 entrances. My favorite lot features the art installation, Laumeier Lamps, pictured above.

Maps

You can download the park map through this link, and print it out at home before you go. Printed maps are also available in a kiosk near the main parking lot, and are posted on signs throughout the park. 

Directions

Laumeier Sculpture Park is located near I-270 and I-44, 16 miles and 20 minutes from the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis. From I-44 Eastbound or Westbound, exit at Lindbergh Blvd. (Exit 277B). Drive a half mile south to Rott Road (turn right), then continue a half mile west to the park (entrance will be on the left).

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great reasons to visit Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis.

• THE ART. Memorable art, landscaped grounds, wooded trails, and fresh discoveries make Laumeier Sculpture Park one of the best outdoor things to do in St. Louis. Leashed dogs are welcome to come along.
• THE NATURE. Escape the city to a delightful urban green space. Take a walk along the paths or hike through the woodland trails, then enjoy a picnic on the grounds (no glass bottles, please).
• FREE ADMISSION. Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the finest free St. Louis attractions. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, then visit the Aronson Arts Center where exhibitions change often. Both the park and the arts center are free.
• FUN EVENTS. Popular Laumeier events are happening year-round. Whether it’s the May Art Fair, noshing from food trucks during Finally Fridays, finding out what Laumeier After Dark looks like or getting your gift shopping done at the Holiday Pop-up Shop in December, there’s many reasons to visit Laumeier throughout the year.
• MAKE YOUR OWN ART. Laumeier offers Arts Education for all ages and for a wide variety of interests.
• ONE OF THE BEST. Considering everything Laumeier offers, it’s certainly among the best parks in St. Louis. In a city with so many great parks, that’s no small distinction.

Pin To Your Travel Destinations

My Thanks

Thanks to Bi-State Development and Explore St. Louis, who hosted part of my stay in St. Louis. All opinions and recommendations are purely my own. Big thanks to fearless tour leaders, Rachel Huffman and Jennifer Schmidt, for a wonderful experience. Shout out to the great group of adventuring women on the tour as well.

The fantastic park I’ve written about has equally fantastic staff. Many thanks to Kate Martin and Dana Turkovic of Laumeier for patiently answering my pesky questions and helping me to understand this wonderful sculpture park better.

More Urban Green Spaces To Explore

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum in St. Louis
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
New York’s Central Park 
Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City

Coming Soon

More outdoor things to do in St. Louis!