Set on what was once the New Jersey Fairgrounds, the Grounds for Sculpture sprawls over 35 meticulously and imaginatively landscaped acres. Founded by artist and philanthropist J. Seward Johnson, the Grounds are dotted with works by Clement Meadmore, Anthony Caro and other names to know in the art world.
Round a bend and discover a larger than life sculpture emerging from behind a gentle mist of water. Step into the arbor and you are face-to-face with an amazing display of one work of art after another. Roam around the water garden and take a few minutes to appreciate how the setting enhances the sculptures. Even the earth itself is shaped into an undulating natural artistic environment. It is, quite simply, an amazing display of contemporary sculpture by some of the world's most renowned current crop of artists.
There is even more artwork on display inside the fairgrounds' renovated Domestic Arts and Museum buildings, where you can find works by new and emerging artists. And you’ll need to return often because these exhibitions change regularly and there is always something new to see.
Spectacular any time of year, Grounds for Sculpture amps up the “wow” factor during the spring and summer when the art is just part of the show . . . literally. A very, very busy schedule of indoor and outdoor special events and performances puts all the arts -- music, dance, poetry -- in the spotlight and many of the events are free with admission.