The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is now closed for a reconstruction project that will rebuild its failing infrastructure, breathing new life into the beloved Minnesota cultural institution.
The project includes the complete reconstruction of deteriorated and inadequate infrastructure such as irrigation, drainage and stormwater systems and other physical assets. The upgrades will also increase accessibility with new walkways and a larger bathroom facility and improve energy efficiency by converting Cowles Conservatory into an open air pavilion. Work is expected to take about a year, with a grand reopening planned in summer 2017.
New landscaping emphasizes sustainability by embracing its original wetland ecology. A new meadow at the north end of the garden will be filled with native, deep-rooted plants that absorb stormwater runoff and an 80,000-gallon underground cistern will capture stormwater runoff and water overflow from Spoonbridge and Cherry and reuse it to irrigate the new landscape.
Most of the sculptures in the Sculpture Garden were removed last fall in preparation for construction. In January, Walker Art Center announced 16 new sculptures will animate the rebuilt 11-acre landmark when it reopens next summer.
The Sculpture Garden will remain closed until the project is completed. Please visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Reconstruction project page for more information, and enter your email address into the box under “Subscribe to Email Updates” to stay informed on the project.