Is it real or is it a sculpture? That is exactly the feeling visitors experience as they explore the 42-meticulously landscaped acres that house over 270 sculptures at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. Life-sized sculptures as well as towering ones which depict iconic moments such a Marilyn Monroe's white dress blowing over a sidewalk grate and the famous sailor's kiss on VJ Day in Times Square, New York.
Best and worst times to go to the Grounds for Sculpture
The Grounds for Sculpture can accommodate 2,500-visitors. When the park reaches capacity, it will restrict visitor entrance. On pleasant days, it is an extremely popular destination especially on weekends. Mother's Day tends to attract a multitude of visitors and is extremely crowded. The Grounds for Sculpture website suggests visiting their site in order to better plan your agenda if a Mother's Day visit is on the calendar. A weekday visit will certainly be less crowded.
Must see/do at the Grounds for Sculpture
Don't miss the Monet Bridge. It is a real treat to see and photograph. Another must stop is the Gazebo and the sculptures that surround it. Great photo opportunities abound around the park. Marilyn Monroe's signature pose is another don't miss.
Admission to the Grounds for Sculpture
The park is open daily Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is open on Labor Day and Memorial Day and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Grounds for Sculpture does close to the general public for certain "Members Only" events that are held throughout the year. Admission is free for members and children five years of age and younger. Student admission from ages 6-17 are discounted and college students also receive one with proper identification. Additional discounts are offered to seniors ages 65 and older.
Parking at the Grounds for Sculpture
The Grounds for Sculpture offers an abundant amount of parking. However, during prime visitation days such as Mother's Day, patrons may be diverted to lots off the grounds. If that happens, tram service is provided for visitors. If the Grounds for Sculpture reaches its 2,500-guest capacity, access to the facility will be closed.
Public Transportation to the Grounds for Sculpture
Grounds for Sculpture is accessible by train. Travelers can take NJ Transit or Amtrak trains from NYC's Penn Station or Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. NJ Transit riders should get off at the Hamilton Station while Amtrak travelers need to exit at the Trenton stop. From that point, visitors can take a short taxi ride to the Grounds for Sculpture. Visitors taking NJ Transit trains to the Hamilton Station can ride NJ Transit Bus #608 to the Grounds for Sculpture. NJ Transit Bus #608 makes a stop at the Grounds for Sculpture.
Food at the Grounds for Sculpture
Grounds for Sculpture offers visitors a variety of dining options to choose from since outside food is not permitted. The Peacock Café serves sandwiches, salads, paninis, pizza, homemade treats, snacks, and cold drinks including beer and wine. It is located in the Domestic Arts Building. For an additional fee, the Peacock Café will pack your lunch in a picnic basket to be enjoyed in the park. Special bagged lunches may also be ordered ahead of time by leaving a credit card number. Orders must be placed at least five days before the scheduled visit and can be picked up at the Peacock Café.
The Welcome Center houses the Van Gogh Café for those who appreciate "French-inspired street food, pastries, and cheeses." The Gazebo by the Lotus Pond is perfect for light snacks and refreshing drinks. It is open seasonably, depending on the weather.
Rat's Restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Rat's is Zagat rated and reservations for the French-country restaurant are highly recommended.
Insider tip for visitors to the Grounds for Sculpture
Rat's Restaurant is ideal for a romantic dinner in an enchantingly beautiful setting. It is not, however, the perfect spot for a family outing. Children will not necessarily savor the French-country cuisine or the Monet-inspired ambiance. If you plan on dining here, leave the kids at home with a sitter. Rat's is best enjoyed as a couple or with a group of adults.
Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and mystery author. She lives in New Jersey.
The Van Riper-Hopper House, built in 1786, was dedicated as a museum in 1964. Also on the property is the Archeological Laboratory and the Van Duyne House, which was moved to this location in 1974 because its original location was in the path of Route 23.
The gardens are peaceful and rustic; a welcome respite to the hustle and bustle of Wayne on a busy afternoon. There is also a beautiful view of the Point View Reservior from the grounds.
The Dey Mansion was built between 1740 and 1750 by Dirck Dey. For periods during the Revolutionary War it was used as General George Washington's headquarters.
Today, the mansion is owned by the Passaic County Parks Department, along with several barns and 55 acres of land. The mansion is open for tours year round, excluding holidays.
