DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum
DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The largest of its kind in New England, this sculpture park encompasses 35 acres, 20 miles northwest of Boston. The park features a constantly changing landscape of large-scale, outdoor, modern and contemporary sculpture and site-specific installations, and hosts more than 60 works, the majority of which are on loan. Year round activities include snowshoe tours, yoga in the park, birding tours, curator and artist conversations, and many special talks, screenings, and events.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
272 reviews
Excellent
162
Very good
76
Average
25
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Jeanne D
Ayer, MA4 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
This park is in a beautiful setting with absolutely stunning views from the roof deck of the museum. Unfortunately that's it. I was expecting a large variety of outdoor sculpture and was disappointed to only see half of what was depicted in the extremely outdated and confusing map I received. There was no audio headset to help me learn about the pieces, and the identifying plaques had very information. Even though I purchased my ticket ahead of time and had an email confirmation, the women greeting visitors said the machine used to process those tickets was broken. So - no quick way to process entry, no correct map showing where sculptures are, no direction or signs showing where to go and half the sculptures are missing. The museum has 5 floors but hardly anything exhibited. Not worth the price of admission.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina P
Haverhill, MA541 contributions
Jul 2020
This place was great and so much more than we expected!!!! the park is laid out wonderfully. we really enjoyed walking around and seeing all the sculptures. They all had little plaques describing the art work. It was pretty hot when we visited so we can't wait to visit again on a cooler day where we can enjoy it a little more. Both my kids loved it also (2 and 9). The 9 year old wished she had brought her sketch book so that she could draw some of the sculptures.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD10,663 contributions
Jun 2021
The mansion overlooking Flint's Pond is now used for changing gallery exhibits, art classes and outreach programs. Our goal this morning was to walk the 30 acre display of nearly 60 sculptures and find our favorites; 2011 "Humming" by Jaume Plensa, 1991 "Eve Celebrant" by Marianna Pineda and 2018 "Untitled" by Michelle Grabner.
Most enjoyable was framing the art among the beautiful flowering landscaping.
Most enjoyable was framing the art among the beautiful flowering landscaping.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wordnerd66
Boston, MA16 contributions
Apr 2022
Impressive collection in a beautiful natural setting with an interesting history. I've been there twice now, once before the pandemic and returned last month. It has a mix of outdoor sculptures and indoor installations, some of which are permanent fixtures and others curated for special exhibitions and events. We went there when the New England Triennial 2022 was on. We spent a few hours there and brought a picnic lunch. Strolling through the stunning property with all its outdoor installations is really fun to do and something that children enjoy as well. One of my favorite outdoor sculptures here is "Humming" by artist Jaume Plensa.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob V
Lexington, MA323 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We've been to this place before and spent some enjoyable time on the grounds and in the museum. However, at this time, the museum is closed for renovation of the HVAC system, which we knew beforehand. We thought we could visit and at least spend some time exploring the sculptures around the museum. But the exhibits are so spread out, and the terrain is so hilly, that you'd really have to have a lot of time and a lot of energy available to see much of what the place has to offer. The signage is not the greatest, either. At previous times we were able to access the roof of the museum and check out where we wanted to go, but that was not an option this time.
The cafe was open, and we had planned to have lunch there, but found that for now it was only offering beverages and pastries; another disappointment. My advice would be to wait until the museum has re-opened, as we are going to do. However, I was a bit troubled in that on a weekday morning, there seemed to be no sign of any construction work going on.
The cafe was open, and we had planned to have lunch there, but found that for now it was only offering beverages and pastries; another disappointment. My advice would be to wait until the museum has re-opened, as we are going to do. However, I was a bit troubled in that on a weekday morning, there seemed to be no sign of any construction work going on.
Written September 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aatbender
Dandridge, TN475 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We visited on a Saturday afternoon with for adults and a 10-month old baby. There are lots of interesting sculptures to view outside. It wasn’t very crowded and it was easy to get around. It might be tough with a stroller and we used a baby harness and dad carried the baby around. The grounds could use someone to maintain them a bit better.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjhkch
Holliston, MA206 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Lovely walk on the grounds of the deCordova Museum today. Fun and unusual sculptures tucked into small gardens. Would recommend this spot for a family outdoor adventure. The museum was closed today but so much to see outside.
Written May 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michaela Mello
New Bedford, MA23 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
We really enjoyed our trip to the deCordova Sculpture Garden and Museum. The staff was helpful and friendly. The grounds are gorgeous, with beautiful views overlooking a nearby lake. The art is interesting and thought-provoking. There is plenty of space for picnicking, and we look forward to a return trip to picnic on the grounds.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hrs
Boston, MA224 contributions
Sep 2020
Beautiful grounds filled with a broad array of interesting and in some cases magnificent sculptures, this museum is a great destination for a relaxing and inspiring day. The indoor museum is currently closed due to the pandemic but the grounds are open, requiring an advance ticket for admission to keep the size of the crowd to a reasonable number.
The landscaping is natural and quite beautiful and the sculptures are arranged to fit into the landscape. Great for a leisurely stroll or even a picnic. The art is wonderful, creative, inspiring and some of the pieces are truly magnificent.
Definitely worth the trip.
The landscaping is natural and quite beautiful and the sculptures are arranged to fit into the landscape. Great for a leisurely stroll or even a picnic. The art is wonderful, creative, inspiring and some of the pieces are truly magnificent.
Definitely worth the trip.
Written September 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TACLYO
Stratford, CT96 contributions
Nov 2019
I've been going to deCordova for well over a decade. The indoor exhibits change regularly and over time even many of the sculptures switch out. I personally find the sculptures and the outdoor campus to be the main draw so pick a day without rain. I bet even if bundled, the grounds would be beautiful in the snow.
Written November 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the chances of getting an Uber/Lyft or taxi from the park back to Boston? Or Boston to the park for that matter?
Written December 1, 2018
Good Question! I use a private driving service because it costs less due to the distance and lack of wait time. This way there is no uncertainty of being stranded. Uber is wonderful close to home as I do not own a car.
Written December 1, 2018
How many hours does it take to see most of the park? Would 4 hours be enough time?
Written June 1, 2017
Four hours is more than enough. If weather permits, taking a guided trip of the Sculpture Park is great. I think 90 mins. for the inside exhibits is my personal limit.
And it is worth taking some time in the gift shop.
Written June 14, 2017
Are the gardens open even if the indoor museum is closed, I.e.would it be free?
Written December 26, 2016
I have found that they leave the gate up during the days when it is closed so that locals can picnic on the grounds...
Written December 28, 2016
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