Summer Fun: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Mark is one of my longtime besties. Now that I am coupled up, we like to do couple stuff with our partners.
For months we’d been talking about having a picnic and playing mini golf at the Walker. Mark has all these good ideas. I can claim no credit for them whatsoever.
So, one weekend in late July, here is what we did:
1. Went to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center
2. Had a picnic by the Mississippi River, including pie!
3. Watched the Aquatennial fireworks from the Stone Arch bridge downtown
Mini golf at the Walker…or not
The plan was to play mini golf first. Since we were going to watch fireworks starting at 10 p.m., we decided to go toward the end of the mini golf times, and have our picnic in between. On Saturday, mini golf times are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We arrived at 5:30. Perhaps due to a little goofing around on my part getting ready to go.
Mini golf was SOLD OUT. Blah. The mini golf course is on the terrace, and the Walker promises “unbelievable views overlooking the Minneapolis skyline.”
Artists have designed the golf holes on the mini course, naturally. So sorry I can’t show you pictures of the golf course or those unbelievable views at this time. We’re going to have to go back!
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Regardless of the mini golf fiasco, there is plenty to see in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. I hadn’t been through it since it reopened last May after a major renovation.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a partnership between the Walker and the Minneapolis park system. It showcases works of the Walker’s modern and contemporary art collection in the setting of an urban park.
When the park opened in 1988, it was one of the first of its kind in the United States. As a public park, it is 100% free and open 365 days a year, from 6 a.m. to midnight.
The Garden is home to more than 40 outdoor sculptures created by artists from 10 different countries around the world, many made specifically for this setting.
Since the 2017 reconstruction, the site features ecologically sustainable water management, habitat for plants and wildlife, and creative landscape elements meant to showcase the artworks in nature.
The Walker commissioned a number of new sculptures as part of the renovation.
My favorite of these is September Room by Mark Manders. To paraphrase some of the curator’s notes, it comprises a combination of human figures and architectural elements (two reclining figures and one tall narrow sculpture) that evoke the past and present, the familiar and the unfamiliar.
The delicately textured surfaces look like wood or wet clay. It’s hard to believe they are metal. This looks so much like wet clay that has cracked as it dried.
And this looks like wood boards. Nope—all metal. I really don’t know how he did that.
I really liked it. On the other side of the tall piece pictured above, there is a chair you can sit in. I did this and Bee took a picture of me sitting in it with my eyes closed. It was not a great addition to September Room.
Something old
I was excited to revisit some of my favorite sculptures from the previous incarnation of the Sculpture Garden. They are like old friends.
Without Words
Artist Judith Shea trained as a fashion designer. She first used clothes as abstract forms and later as surrogates or substitutes for human presence.
Eventually she placed her figures into groups of objects, suggesting a narrative.
This trio seems to be carrying on a dialogue about modern life and antiquity. The head was based on an Egyptian 18th Dynasty sculpture of Queen Tiye.
The dress is reminiscent of both of classical Greek sculpture and the sleek couture of the 1950s. The modern coat recalls the flowing drapery of classical sculpture. Love it.
Walking Man
George Segal’s sculptures are tributes to ordinary people in everyday situations. Segal created his sculptures from plaster casts formed directly on live models (often friends or other artists).
He combined these lifelike bodies with commonplace objects to create scenes that imply a story.
I tend to think of Walking Man as “rain man.” It looks like he’s wearing a raincoat and he seems a bit glum. As I might be if I was walking along in the rain without an umbrella.
He just looks cold and wet to me for some reason.
Walking Man stands on a simple fragment of concrete sidewalk, rather than a traditional pedestal.
Segal noted that his walking man is linked to a long tradition of striding figures in the history of art. (Tis true. Check out my post on Visiting Ancient Egypt at the Met for a couple of examples.)
Spoonbridge and Cherry
The most famous piece in the sculpture garden is Claes Oldenburg’s Spoonbridge and Cherry, which has become a familiar and iconic symbol for Minneapolis.
The renovation features Spoonbridge even more prominently as the centerpiece of the collection, placing it smack dab in the middle at the end of a long, tree-lined walkway. It has its own pond, and the Minneapolis skyline and Basilica in the background. Along with the new blue rooster.
More than 50 feet long, Spoonbridge and Cherry does delight visitors. The spoon really is worth the hype.
I mean, look at it! It’s mah-vel-ous. You can sit and gaze upon it in chairs set up nearby.
More people are taking goofy pictures with the cherry than are contemplating its meaning, however.
Claes Oldenburg was a key voice in the Pop Art movement. By the early 1980s, he had begun to make monumental outdoor works with Coosje van Bruggen, his wife and artistic partner.
Spoonbridge and Cherry is one of their most celebrated collaborations. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden commissioned Spoonbridge, its first work, the year the Garden opened in 1988.
Something new
Speaking of monumental, a couple of huge and memorable new pieces are the giant blue rooster (which most, meaning me, persist in thinking of as the big blue chicken, even though he’s clearly a rooster) and the Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture.
Hahn/Cock
I don’t have a lot of thoughts on the chicken, I mean rooster. The Walker’s notes say Katharina Fritsch’s blue rooster is “at once lifelike and completely unreal.” I cannot dispute that.
Animals and everyday objects have long been subjects for the artist, who makes them otherworldly and extraordinary through bold shifts in scale, color, and material.
The rooster towers nearly 25 feet over the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This gives you a better idea of the scale:
The rooster can be a symbol of pride, power, and courage or posturing and macho prowess.
Fritsch has admitted that she enjoys “games with language,” and the sculpture’s tongue-in-cheek title knowingly plays on its double meaning.
According to the Walker, “Like Spoonbridge and Cherry, Hahn/Cock presents an unexpected take on the idea of a traditional public monument. Together, these two landmarks show how ordinary objects can become iconic and deeply symbolic.”
Now speaking of symbolic, let’s move on to the Robert Indiana.
LOVE
In the late 1950s, Robert Indiana began making paintings and sculptures that featured words. Single, poetically powerful words, such as “EAT,” “DIE,” and his most famous, “LOVE.”
LOVE is the artist’s most iconic image, one that has resonated across cultures and generations. You may recall seeing it on a postage stamp. Mark came up with the cheesy yet inspired pose below.
Installation Inspired by Joseph Beuys’s 7000 Oaks
One of the things I loved most in the original Garden was the avenue of trees full of wind chimes. The new incarnation is a big tree full of wind chimes. I don’t like it as much, but the sound of the chimes is still wonderful.
You can hear it in this video Mark took. It goes into slo-mo shortly after it begins.
I can’t figure out how to get the video photo in here, with the little arrow to play the video, so see the link below my photo. Technical difficulties are SO frustrating. Moving on.
To be continued…
Looks like this post will need to be in two parts. We continue our fun, going on a picnic by the Mississippi River, seeing some street art downtown, and watching the Aquatennial fireworks from the Stone Arch bridge. In part 2, I will have quite a bit to say about pie, as well.
More Posts with Urban or Public Art
Another wonderful sculpture park in St. Louis, Missouri
New York Street Art And Good Food On Manhattan’s Lower East Side
Stuffing Myself With Foods On A Stick At The Minnesota State Fair
My Adventures in Oklahoma City
Road Trip to Madeline Island
More in Minneapolis
Discover Lake Nokomis, all the things to do and eat
Romance Weekend at the Elliot Park Hotel
Eat your way around the Minnesota State Fair
Art and Architecture in the Big Apple
Visting Ancient Egypt at the Met
Tour Grand Central Station
Calling on the Woman in Gold
Upper East Side Redux: More Things to Do (Statues in Central Park)
Minnesota Road Trips
Minnesota North Shore
Itasca State Park home of the Mississippi Headwaters
Road trip to the far Northwest, Roseau Minnesota
Information about the exhibits is from walkerart.org. Photos are mine (and Mark’s!).
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Hi, Cynthia!
Minneapolis sounds like a definite must do!! Two things on my list next summer when I am up that way:
1. Sculpture Garden
2. Mississippi picnic with PIE!!
Is there a Minnesota specialty pie?? Just curious. I love sampling regional foods.
Tricia please let me know when you’re coming, I’d love to meet up!! Rhubarb pie is a regional specialty, the rhubarb plant actually prefers cold climates and won’t grow in the South. Some prefer strawberry rhubarb but I’m a purist 😉
Minneapolis has been on my radar for quite some time. Who knows, on this next trip to Iowa we might finally end up coming up there. If not, I’ll certainly make a point on the next trip. The sculpture garden looks fantastic.
Get it off the radar and in your sights! I’d love to show you a bit of the MiniApple, Clayton!
I think the Walker Art Center and the Sculpture Garden was one of my favorite field trips in school. I can’t remember when we went but I loved it! Definitely somewhere I’m going to take my kids when they get a little bit older (perhaps past the age of wanting to climb on the spoon!) Great post and your photos are gorgeous (though nothing does this place justice!).
Thank you, Megan! It’s one of those things that when it’s right where you live, you forget to go to, but it’s so much fun. It’s pretty different after the major renovation so I know you’ll find lots of new things to enjoy.
I didn’t know they renovated it. Definitely excited to go back!
This looks like such a fun and fascinating place!! I love the “LOVE” sculpture! The cherry on a spoon one was cute too LOL!
The sculptures here are both fascinating and fun! Awesome way to spend the day!
Really fun!
Thanks so much, I hope you come and visit!
Of course on a good day, thanks dear and enjoy your weekend 💕
The whole sculpture park looks great, but I do like that big blue cock. Looks like you guys all had a fun day out. Being from Australia I’ve never been Minneapolis and I probably couldn’t point it out on a map – unless I was seduced by the powers of the blue cock and drawn to its location like a moth to a flame – but it looks like a fun sunny city. I’ll had to add it to my list next time I’m in the USA. xx
Hey sorry guys, just saw this comment, it was in my trash folder! Must have been because of your cock comments, for gawd’s sake. You were deleted! I have heard there is another giant blue cock in the states but I’m not going to tell you where it is, because you must only come to this one, lol. Thanks so much for your comment!
I love this post, Cynthia! So much fun, and we love Minneapolis. I didn’t know the Walker got an update – that can only mean one thing for us: Time to revisit! 🙂 That’s too bad that the row of oaks is gone; we enjoyed it, too. But we do kind of like the big blue rooster. Great stuff – can’t wait to get back to Minnesota! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Aw Rob, thank you, you’re always so kind. You absolutely must revisit Minneapolis, and look me up when you do! The Sculpture Garden renovation was major. While I miss some of the old layout, there are a number of wonderful new pieces, and I’m sure you’d enjoy them.
A fun place to spend some time, it seems like. I recognized the LOVE sculpture. A version of it is all over New York City, though it’s painted red there. Never knew where it originated from. I love all the sculptures and they look so good in the natural setting! I haven’t considered Minneapolis as a destination, but I would enjoy the Sculpture Garden. Thanks for a great post! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you so much! I’d love to see the LOVE sculpture in NYC. I hope I can convince you to consider Minneapolis as a great place to visit. There’s so many other things to do besides the Sculpture Garden. I think you’d love our beautiful lakes and gardens 🙂
I went to the Sculpture Garden a few years back and I just loved it. What a gem! And it’s good to see from your photos that they change things up and add and subtract exhibits, always keeping it fresh. I’d love to go back!
I’m glad you loved the Sculpture Garden, Jill, you really should come back to see it again after the extensive renovation. 🙂 Lots of new pieces to enjoy. Thanks for stopping by!
The Sculpture Garden looks like such a cool place for the art lovers! Love the combination of human figures and architectural elements! Hope I´ll get to visit it one day #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Anna, the Sculpture Garden is an enjoyable place to spend a summer afternoon.
Another one of my favorite sculptures is the modern coat. It’s interesting how the metal seems to drape. Also, that big blue rooster rises above the garden like a sentinel making it extraordinary.
Those are the perfect words, Dorothy! Hahn/Cock really is a sentinel and its scope does make it extraordinary. The modern coat, along with the head, is one of my absolute favorites as well, and one of the original sculptures in the Sculpture Garden. Thanks so much for your comment!
That picnic sounds so inviting, Cynthia! Minneapolis sounds like a great summer destination where everyone can have lots of fun!
Thanks for visiting, Agness! Minneapolis is a great summer, spring, and fall destination, and even (gasp) a winter one! This year I’m going to try to get to the Sculpture Garden in every season and see what it’s like. I understand they keep the paths shoveled 😉 Stay tuned for more on picnicking!
The sculpture garden sounds lovely, and who doesn’t love a round of mini golf or a picnic. Too bad the golf was sold out though ;-( but sounds like you still have a wonderful day.
I never get tired of visiting the Sculpture Garden. Nothing like it on a beautiful summer day. Thanks much for stopping by, Jessica!
We have this great sculpture garden, well, more of a walk in the woods, in Oslo, so I’ve become more and more tuned into this. Looks really cool! #theweeklypostcard
Thanks Bea, the Sculpture Garden is such a fun place to visit and be able to look at art while spending time outdoors. I’d love to take that walk in the woods in Oslo.
Looks like a great day. Too bad you missed the mini golf, but oh well. I love all the sculptures so I am sure I would love the park. The photos with you guys in them are so fun! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks, Anisa! It was a great day, and we’ll just have to go back for the mini golf. Maybe this fall before the icy winds start to blow. I know you would love the Sculpture Garden, hope you come for a visit one day!
OMgosh, I could imagine everyone taking similar photos with that massive spoon, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Everyone is taking photos with the spoon! It’s not QUITE as iconic as the Leaning Tower, but maybe someday 🙂
You make Minneapolis look like a lot of fun. I never thought this city would make a great travel destination, but after reading your post I began to think I was wrong. Very informational post and lots of great pictures!
That is the highest compliment, Anda, I’m so glad I’ve upgraded your opinion of Minneapolis as a tourist destination! If you ever decide to visit, I promise you will be charmed by all the art, theater, the beauty of the lakes, and the amazing food and music scenes. It’s why we’re called the Mini-Apple! Lonely Planet included Minneapolis on its list of Best of the U.S. Cities to Visit in 2018!
You had me at “picnic with pie!” LOL. I think with my stomach. The sculpture garden looks really cool, and a great way to get some exercise without noticing it. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hi Katherine! The Sculpture Garden IS really cool and a lot of fun. I hope you get a chance to visit sometime. Some exercise is to be had walking around the park–which was sorely needed, since we were going to eat pie afterwards! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Loved the article! So fun and informational as well. I have an article about Minneapolis on my blog, too. l. Can’t help it…I grew up in Minneapolis! 🙂
Linda, thank you for the kind words! Minneapolis is a great place to write about. I look forward to reading your article too. It’s a bonding experience 😉
It appears that everyone had fun at the Sculpture Garden. Most importantly, I could tell that you and Bee were serious about contemplating all those sculptures. Like you, I like the metal scuptures that resemble wet clay, and Walking Man because he appears forlorn with a lot on his mind. I also think that he is walking in the rain. Additionally, I am looking forward to Part II.
Thanks so much for commenting, Dorothy. Yes, we were super serious about contemplation, glad you picked up on that! 😉 I think forlorn is the perfect word for Walking Man. Part 2 is in the works 🙂
This Sculpture Garden is totally up our alley! You’ve given us so many reasons to visit Minneapolis, it’s quickly climbing on our list of destinations.
I’m officially a fan of Mark Manders and will be Googling more of his work shortly! I particularly love the tall piece, it’s almost as if the female figure is hiding, or hidden, and there are so many ways you could interpret that. The combination of sculptural and architectural elements is stunning. I remember Hahn/Cock from its time in London (and all the cheeky press that ensued), and had no idea a twin existed!
Looking forward to Part 2 of this post 🙂
Sorry Mad Hats, I just found this comment in my trash folder (along with another one using the word cock). Aaaargh. Since you’ve since been able to see the Sculpture Garden IRL, how did you like the Mark Manders piece in person? I don’t know about this twin cock thing, I heard there’s one in Washington D.C. 🙁
Fun read, great information, and awesome pictures as usual! Love your post!