Lovely display of art and nature at this year-round botanic garden and sculpture park. The design promotes deconstruction of the barrier between art and nature. There are 30+ acres with an outdoor amphitheater presenting evening concerts all summer. Gardens designed to change with the seasons with changing sculptures and exhibitions.
A tram car guides you through the outdoor park for about 45 minutes for $2. The driver narrates. Indoor tours are also available guided by a knowledgeable volunteer docent.
The Tropical Conservatory is more than 5 stories high and the largest in Michigan. Tropical plants from five continents of the world, waterfalls and wonderful plants.
In March and April thousands of tropical butterflies are imported from Central America and fly free within the tropical forest making it the largest temporary tropical butterful exhibit in the nation.
The Sculpture Park is the most comprehensive collection of outdoor sculplture within the Midwest. It contains significant works of art by world-class artists among them Rodin, DiSuvero, Moore, Juan Munoz and Goldsworthy all displayed in natural settings connected by waterways, quiet walkways and paths.
There ae approximately 25 sculptures with space for up to 80 sculptures eventually. Discovering the sculptures in and through meadows and trees, valleys and hills from many different vantage points is charming.
The changing seasons are all recognized. An annual exhibit during Christmas time of Holiday Traditions Around the World features more than 300,000 lights, trees and displays from all of the world, outdoor horse-drawn carriage rides and entertainment.
Lovely bright cafeteria inside for a light lunch.
Provides for a relaxing day viewing the exhibits both indoors and outdoors as well as the plants, flowers and trees.
www.meijergardens.org (888-957-1580)