You will discover a truly unique art sanctuary at Grounds For Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park and museum in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. Founded in 1992 by sculptor and philanthropist J. Seward Johnson II on the former site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds and Trenton Speedway, this non-profit retreat was created to make contemporary art accessible, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone.
When you explore the manicured, landscaped environments, you will encounter an ever-changing collection of over 270 contemporary sculptures, many of which are large-scale masterpieces. The park features works by distinguished American and international artists like Kiki Smith, George Segal, Clement Meadmore, Beverly Pepper, Anthony Caro, Boaz Vaadia, and Magdalena Abakanowicz, alongside commissioned pieces such as Isaac Witkin’s Garden State. What makes your visit especially memorable is the park's bizarre set of sculptural recreations of Impressionist paintings.
Beyond the outdoor grounds, you can step inside six indoor art galleries hosting diverse exhibitions. You can also visit Rat's Restaurant, conceptually designed by Johnson to evoke a Monet-styled atmosphere complete with a bridge over a lily pond homage to Water Lilies. It stands today as an impressive oasis and welcoming respite for all visitors.
What to see at Grounds for Sculpture
- Over 270 large-scale contemporary sculptures set across 42 landscaped acres.
- Bizarre sculptural recreations of classic Impressionist paintings throughout the park.
- Six indoor art galleries showcasing changing contemporary art exhibitions.
- Rat's Restaurant, designed with a Monet-inspired lily pond and bridge atmosphere.
- Masterpieces by renowned sculptors including Kiki Smith, George Segal, and Magdalena Abakanowicz.
Visiting tips
Be sure to pair your outdoor stroll through the 42-acre grounds with a visit to the six indoor art galleries.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Grounds for Sculpture is easy to reach on Trenton’s public transport, and pairs naturally with New Jersey State House and Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Trenton travel guide.
See the full Trenton travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.