Grounds for Sculpture -- Are We There Yet?

Originally part of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds, Grounds for Sculpture opened in 1992. This major sculpture park occupies some thirty-five acres of landscaped sites, with more than 2,000 rose bushes, 1,000 trees, and numerous other flowers and shrubs planted to provide a beautiful setting for art. Waterways have been excavated to create topographical contours and backdrops for sculpture.

Visitors can enjoy courtyards, sculpture walls, water features, an amphitheater and two 10,000-square-foot exhibit buildings: the Museum and the Domestic Arts Building, which also features a cafe and museum shop. Rat's, a gourmet restaurant, overlooks the sculptures and serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday by reservation (Rat's is not suitable for young children). Call (609) 584-7800.

The sculptures include unique works, some quite large, by some of the greatest artists in their fields. Isaac Witkin, Anthony Caro, George Segal, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and J. Seward Johnson Jr. (a key figure in establishing the park) are among the many artists whose works may be enjoyed here. Steel, bronze and iron are among the unusual media employed.

The Museum building shows sculptures in a variety of media, from metal to plaster to paper, featuring some of the world's finest contemporary artists. Once used to display animals at the Fair, the steel building has been transformed into a modern, glass-walled exhibit space that suits its task perfectly.

Guided and Self-Guided Tours are available for visitors, and there are a variety of special events throughout the year. Call for details, or visit Grounds for Sculpture's official website.

Adult and School Groups of 15 or more can arrange a tour by calling the Tour Coordinator.

Travel Directions

From New York City: Take New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 7A. Take Interstate 195 West (Trenton) to Exit 60B/I-295 North (Princeton). Take I-295 North to Exit 65B/Sloan Avenue West. After exit stay in right traffic lane for 2/10ths of a mile, following signs for Grounds For Sculpture, and take the jughandle to cross over Sloan Ave. Go through the traffic light onto Klockner Rd. Take Klockner Rd. to next traffic light and turn right onto East State St. Extension. Go 8/10ths of a mile and make second left turn onto Sculptors Way. Go 2/10ths of a mile and turn left into the main entrance of Grounds For Sculpture. Travel time is approximately 75 minutes.

From Philadelphia: Take Interstate 95 North, across Scudders Falls Bridge (over Delaware River), to Interstate 295 South to Exit 65B/Sloan Avenue West. After exit stay in right traffic lane for 2/10ths of a mile, following signs for Grounds For Sculpture, and take the jughandle to cross over Sloan Ave. Go through the traffic light onto Klockner Rd. Take Klockner Rd. to next traffic light and turn right onto East State St. Extension. Go 8/10ths of a mile and make second left turn onto Sculptors Way. Go 2/10ths of a mile and turn left into the main entrance of Grounds For Sculpture. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

From Princeton: Take Nassau St. and turn onto Mercer St. Mercer St. will change into Princeton Pike/583 after Province Line Rd. Continue on Princeton Pike to Interstate 295. Take I-295 South (Camden) to Exit 65/Sloan Avenue West. After exit stay in right traffic lane for 2/10ths of a mile, following signs for Grounds For Sculpture, and take the jughandle to cross over Sloan Ave. Go through the traffic light onto Klockner Rd. Take Klockner Rd. to next traffic light and turn right onto East State St. Extension. Go 8/10ths of a mile and make second left turn onto Sculptors Way. Go 2/10ths of a mile and turn left into the main entrance of Grounds For Sculpture. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.

By Train: From New York (Penn Station) or Philadelphia (30th St. Station) take New Jersey Transit to the Hamilton stop (stop closest to Grounds For Sculpture) or Amtrak to Trenton stop. Taxi ride is 5 minutes to Grounds For Sculpture. Travel time is approximately the same as by car.