GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Aug. 11, 2026 — Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will soon welcome its 17 millionth guest, with this milestone moment anticipated to occur Wednesday, Aug. 12 at approximately 10 a.m.
Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, will greet the milestone visitor and present them with a special gift basket to commemorate the occasion.
“Welcoming our 17 millionth guest is a remarkable milestone that speaks to the enduring vision of Fred and Lena Meijer and the continued support of our members, donors, volunteers, staff and community,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “For more than 30 years now, Meijer Gardens has inspired curiosity, creativity and connection through art, culture and nature, and we are honored to share that experience with millions of guests from around the world as we look to the future.”
Since opening its doors in 1995, Meijer Gardens has welcomed guests from around the world to experience the unique intersection of art, culture, and nature. Over the past three decades, the organization has evolved into one of the world’s most significant cultural destinations, engaging millions of guests through world-class sculpture, horticultural excellence, educational programming and year-round events.
Attendance has been particularly strong in 2026 during the highly anticipated CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank exhibition, showcasing the vibrant and imaginative work of renowned artist Dale Chihuly throughout the indoor galleries and outdoor landscapes. The exhibition has attracted visitors from around the world, further cementing Meijer Gardens’ reputation as a premier destination for arts and culture.
The milestone also reflects the strength of Meijer Gardens’ diverse year-round offerings. Guests continue to enjoy signature experiences including Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series, seasonal horticultural displays, major sculpture exhibitions, educational classes and lectures, family programming, University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions and innovative seasonal experiences such as ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank. Together, these exhibitions and experiences create a dynamic year-round event calendar that encourages repeat visitation while welcoming new audiences each year.
Meijer Gardens’ growing popularity has also been recognized nationally and internationally. It consistently ranks among the 100 most-visited art museums in the world and the 15 most-visited art museums in the United States. Meijer Gardens also was named Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Additionally, Meijer Gardens was named a winner in the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards in the Memorable Attractions category.
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 Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Memorable Attractions winner in the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards, and is regularly listed in the 100-most-visited museums in the world and 15-most-visited museums in the United States by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Nick Cave, Dale Chihuly, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE, and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented numerous solo shows, including artists Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Donor, George Segal, David Smith, and others. 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. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings, and award-winning catering.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.
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