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Meijer Gardens Butterflies are Blooming 2023

Meijer Gardens Expects Fifteenth-Millionth Visitor Today

By Mary Ellen Murphy Apr 30, 2024 | 9:52 AM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., (WGHN) –  Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is on the cusp of a monumental milestone as it eagerly anticipates welcoming its 15-millionth guest. The momentous occasion is slated to take place on Tuesday, April 30, at approximately 11 a.m.

Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, will welcome the special guest and present them with a gift basket.

Since opening its doors to the public in 1995, Meijer Gardens has captivated visitors from across the globe with its awe-inspiring botanical gardens, world-class sculpture collection, and engaging exhibitions. With a commitment to fostering an appreciation for art, culture, and nature, Meijer Gardens has become a beloved destination for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The impending milestone further underscores Meijer Gardens’ status as a premier cultural institution, solidifying its position as a beacon of inspiration and enrichment within West Michigan and beyond. As Meijer Gardens prepares to extend a warm welcome to its 15-millionth visitor, it reflects on the countless memories created, connections forged, and moments of wonder shared throughout its 29-year history.

In addition to celebrating this significant achievement, Meijer Gardens takes pride in recent accolades that affirm its standing as a world-class destination. In 2023, Meijer Gardens was the 89th most visited museums in the world, a testament to its enduring appeal and popularity among visitors worldwide. Meijer Gardens has also been honored with the esteemed title of “Top Sculpture Park in the Nation” for two consecutive years, as chosen by the readers of USA Today in both 2023 and 2024. This award not only recognizes Meijer Gardens’ exceptional collection of sculptures but also acknowledges its commitment to providing an unparalleled visitor experience.

About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was named the 2023 and 2024 Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and listed as the 81st-most-visited museum in the world by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. Education programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings, and award-winning catering. The 158-acre main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an 8-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians each summer. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Michele Oka Donor, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented shows by Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Rebecca Louise Law, Pablo Picasso, George Segal and others.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

 

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