Welcome to Grand Rapids~Frederik Meijer Gardens!
Love gardens? Enjoy sculpture artwork? Just looking for a peaceful place to relax? Check out the enchanting world of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. This botanical garden offers 132 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, woodlands, and wetlands. Wonder the paths of the 30 acre Sculpture Park to view the most comprehensive outdoor collection of modern sculpture in the midwest. The 5 acre outdoor Lena Meijer Children’s Garden offers family-friendly fun while learning about plants, animals, and sculpture. The Amphitheater Garden hosts outdoor summer concerts from June through September, while visitors relax on terraced lawns and enjoy picnic dinners. (Summer 2010 concerts include: Doobie Brothers; Kenny Loggins, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Indigo Girls, Lyle Lovett, Melissa Etheridge and others). The indoor gardens of the 120,000 square foot facility include: the Tropical Conservatory with lush plants and exotic birds from around the world; the Arid Garden with desert plants from North & South America and Africa.; the Seasonal Garden with unique displays that change with the seasons; the largest Carnivorous Garden in the midwest which is also one of the few in the United States; and the Victorian Garden which is a popular rental place for weddings with the gorgeous orchids.
Each Spring “Butterflies Are Blooming” for 6 to 8 weeks in the Tropical Conservatory as chrysalises and cocoons arrive from the tropical regions in Asia, Africa, and South America. This is a very popular event for families and tour groups as the tropical garden is full of exotic butterflies. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s every year indoor facility is transformed with “Christmas Around the World” as the halls and gardens are decorated with themed Christmas Trees from many countries. Other popular events are the temporary exhibits of world-famous artists. Currently (until September 30, 2010) the botanical gardens are hosting “A New Eden” a glass exhibit by Dale Chihuly to mark the 15th anniversary of the Frederik Meijer Gardens. The Chihuly pieces can be viewed in both the inside gardens and the outside gardens, and along the walking paths and in the ponds. There are also 2 permanent Chihuly pieces at the building~ a chandelier in the main hall, and also beautiful floral chandeliers in the cafe’.
The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is located at 1000 East Beltline Ave NE.
Hours of operation are: Monday-Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Wednesday-Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday noon-5:00 PM. www.meijergardens.org
