"Happily Situated in Hamilton, New Jersey" Hamilton by starship

Hamilton Travel Guide: 8 reviews and 72 photos

The "Grounds for Sculpture" Museum

This page attempts to describe only one attraction in the town of Hamilton, New Jersey and that is the sculpture museum known as the "Grounds for Sculpture." On a hot and sunny day in late August, two friends and I set off for a place only 45 minutes from my home, but one I had never heard of. Located in Hamilton, New Jersey, the "Grounds for Sculpture" is a 35-acre, artistic oasis which I venture to say most New Jerseyans have never heard of. The Grounds for Sculpture is quite possibly one of the best-kept secrets of New Jersey, along with the "Tear Drop 9/11 Memorial" in Bayonne which was a gift from the people of Russia. (Please see my "Off the Beaten Track" tip for "Tear Drop" Memorial" information.)

The Grounds for Sculpture was the brainchild of Seward Johnson, who believed that art could and should be appreciated by all. The beautifully lancdscaped grounds are the backdrop for more than 250 works of art by well-known and emerging artists.

The Grounds for Sculpture features a large and wide variety of sculpture exhibits in the outdoors as well as many housed in various buildings on the grounds -- stone, metal, re-used tires, plastics, and even synthetic molded materials lend themselves to manipulation by the artists and are open to your own interpretation.

Tours: Self - Guided or with Docent?

Anyone can do a self-guided tour of the Grounds for Sculpture and the visitor will see that great care & planning has been taken with the landscape to make it as appealing and interesting as the sculpture itself. Even if looking at art is not your favorite past time, strolling the beautiful "Grounds for Sculpture" in spring, summer or fall can be part of a most pleasurable day. Taken in context, the landscape itself becomes the "frame" for each work of art.

If you prefer to have a guided tour, these are available by appointment.
Guided tours are available to schools and other student or adult groups by appointment only. For more information, please call Yoriko Franklin, Tour Coordinator at (609) 586-0616.

However: "Weekend drop-in tours are offered April - October. Drop-in tours are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm. From May 14 - September 4, 2011, there will be an additional weekend tour offered at 3pm. Reservations are not required for drop-in tours and there is no additional charge to participate. Meet Grounds For Sculpture's Volunteer Docents inside the Visitor's Center 10 minutes before the hour.

Don't forget to stop by the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts not only for any new exhibits but for the short film offered there. Also, visit the "Toad Hall Gift Shop and Gallery" where unique pieces of art & jewelery are for sale.

If You Visit the Grounds for Sculpture

Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Sunday
10am-6pm Open year-round.
Closed Mondays except Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Also closed to the public for Members only events.

Admission Prices (2011)
Adults $12
Senior (65+) $10
Children (6-17) $8
Members and Children (5 and under) free

Pay at the entry gate and don't forget to obtain a map of the grounds.

Last visit to Hamilton: Aug 2010
Intro Updated Dec 13, 2011
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Reviews (8)

"To the Struggle Against Terrorism"... Off The Beaten Path (1)

I will assume few people in this country know about this memorial monument as few people from the state of New Jersey... more travel advice

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The "Peacock Cafe", located in the Domestic Arts Building, provided a place to escape the heat as well as get a nice... more travel advice

Impressionist Sculptures Things to Do (6)

One of the more interesting features of this outdoor art gallery was the number of life-like sculptures based on... more travel advice

Outdoor Art Things to Do (6)

constructing more travel advice

Comments (3)

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Yaqui Jan 6, 2012 at 7:00 AM

Beautiful memorial, we should have more of them. Love the outdoor art and the pretty bloom is fabulous!
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Bwana_Brown Sep 28, 2010 at 3:34 AM

Just from your Intro photo alone, you have me interested in this well-hidden gem! You must have a few more photos hidden away somewhere!
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kyoub Sep 16, 2010 at 5:25 AM

What an amazing place. So glad that you found this artistic oasis.