Lynden Sculpture Garden
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Lynden Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience of art in nature through its collection of more than 50 monumental sculptures sited across 40 acres of park, lake and woodland. Open to the public Wednesdays and Sundays. Call or visit the website for seasonal hours.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
60 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
21
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
DAJensen
Cedarburg, WI395 contributions
Sep 2021
We enjoyed the sculpture garden in early September when indoor viewing was closed and park entrance was free, which is why this was rated 4 and not 5 (we didn't see it all).
I'm shocked that I live so close and this was my first visit. The grounds are beautiful, the artwork is impressive and tagged with artist information. This is a great place to visit when you have time to truly enjoy the scenery and the artwork. Guided tours are available at certain times.
I'm shocked that I live so close and this was my first visit. The grounds are beautiful, the artwork is impressive and tagged with artist information. This is a great place to visit when you have time to truly enjoy the scenery and the artwork. Guided tours are available at certain times.
Written October 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
raja158
Modesto, CA60 contributions
Jul 2021
Looking for something to do in the Milwaukee area and the wife found the Lynden Sculpture Garden. It was a short drive north of the downtown area, probably within about 20 minutes. There is a small sign at the entrance, then you drive into a large park like setting with many sculptures scattered thru out the property. We took a leisurely walk, stopping by most of the works, reading the small plaques with the name, date, and artist. We spent about an hour walking the property, enjoying the chance to be outside on a fairly nice day, without high temperatures or humidity. If you are out on a drive north of the city, give yourself a peaceful break to enjoy something different in the Milwaukee area.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark H
Fond du Lac, WI2,709 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
For years this place was only open to the public a few days a year. Currently there is no admission because the foundation is picking up the tab for that. Also there is free parking.
This 40 acre plot of land is a low-key attraction Milwaukee that I suspect only art lowers know about.
We were there on a Sunday afternoon and they were just a handful of people there. All these cultures there would be considered contemporary. I thought it was fabulous to walk around and view them.
Most of the time you’ll be walking on grass so if you have mobility issues it may be a problem. I think is a fabulous way to spend two hours on a gorgeous afternoon. I think it’s a well-kept secret that more people should visit.
This 40 acre plot of land is a low-key attraction Milwaukee that I suspect only art lowers know about.
We were there on a Sunday afternoon and they were just a handful of people there. All these cultures there would be considered contemporary. I thought it was fabulous to walk around and view them.
Most of the time you’ll be walking on grass so if you have mobility issues it may be a problem. I think is a fabulous way to spend two hours on a gorgeous afternoon. I think it’s a well-kept secret that more people should visit.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK17,738 contributions
Apr 2022
The Lynden Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience of art in nature through its collection of more than 50 monumental sculptures sited across 40 acres of park, lake and woodland. I visited in April and walking around the park it was very wet and boggy underfoot and since I was not in boots I didn't manage to visit all the sculptures. It is a very calm and pleasant place to visit though and the sculptures all have name plaques telling you the Artist, the Materials used, Dates and Title of the piece. On a warm summers day you could wander around for hours taking your time to appreciate the art and to enjoy the natural surrounds that act as the gallery.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wander1429
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
This place is great. Every summer (usually in August) they hold an open house/picnic on the grounds. The area is open to tours by appointment the rest of the year. Just call the Milwaukee Art Museum for more info.
FYI, my favorite time to visit is middle of a summer night. With a little moonlight you can take your time, enjoying the beautiful silhouettes while really connecting with the work. But don't tell them I suggested it.
FYI, my favorite time to visit is middle of a summer night. With a little moonlight you can take your time, enjoying the beautiful silhouettes while really connecting with the work. But don't tell them I suggested it.
Written August 5, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BusinessTraveler04
Chicago, IL295 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
My husband and I visited the Lynden Sculpture Garden on a sunny, unseasonably warm late February day and had the place to ourselves.
We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the grounds and enjoying the large sculptures--clearly a labor of love for the family who used to live in the house (which also houses rotating gallery type shows.)
Much like a previous reviewer, we were the only ones there. Unlike the previous reviewer, we did not think that $9 per person was out of line. It costs money to maintain these places, and we were happy to support their mission. Rather than being too expensive, I believe the lack of guests at the time we were there had to do with the season and the complete lack of advertising, clear roadside signage and the fact that they've only been open two seasons!
I would not recommend the gardens for those with mobility issues, as there are no paths, rather you just meander around the lawn looking at the artwork.
I'd also suggest that they consider reworking the map, which is hard to follow as the artwork on the map is numbered, but the actual artwork on the grounds is not. A little difficult to figure out where you were on the map, but we figured it out.
We also enjoyed the 'show' in the house and found the staff person to be very helpful and friendly.
We'd definitely return and would suggest a visit for anyone who enjoys large sculpture in an outdoor setting.
It's lovely. Go!
We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the grounds and enjoying the large sculptures--clearly a labor of love for the family who used to live in the house (which also houses rotating gallery type shows.)
Much like a previous reviewer, we were the only ones there. Unlike the previous reviewer, we did not think that $9 per person was out of line. It costs money to maintain these places, and we were happy to support their mission. Rather than being too expensive, I believe the lack of guests at the time we were there had to do with the season and the complete lack of advertising, clear roadside signage and the fact that they've only been open two seasons!
I would not recommend the gardens for those with mobility issues, as there are no paths, rather you just meander around the lawn looking at the artwork.
I'd also suggest that they consider reworking the map, which is hard to follow as the artwork on the map is numbered, but the actual artwork on the grounds is not. A little difficult to figure out where you were on the map, but we figured it out.
We also enjoyed the 'show' in the house and found the staff person to be very helpful and friendly.
We'd definitely return and would suggest a visit for anyone who enjoys large sculpture in an outdoor setting.
It's lovely. Go!
Written March 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheMontalbans
Chicago, IL127 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
One of our stops during our day trip to Milwaukee. I wish we had more time to fully appreciate the garden grounds and its sculptures but it was one of the hottest day of July and my group was ready for some A/C.
A very tranquil and reflective place if you love sculptures. I do, so I was quite at home. The only thing that I would probably would want is an audio or a guide tour or even a pamphlet that has some of the artist's thoughts about their pieces. We mostly Googled the artist's on our smartphone and hoped that we would find some info on the artist or if we were lucky.....info on the actual piece we were looking at.
A very tranquil and reflective place if you love sculptures. I do, so I was quite at home. The only thing that I would probably would want is an audio or a guide tour or even a pamphlet that has some of the artist's thoughts about their pieces. We mostly Googled the artist's on our smartphone and hoped that we would find some info on the artist or if we were lucky.....info on the actual piece we were looking at.
Written July 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travel4fun60
Wisconsin2 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We visited on a beautiful warm spring day. It was dry so easy walking on the grass--no paths here. Over 50 incredible ourdoor sculptures. Frogs and turtles sunning themselves on the banks of the ponds on the property. Flowers were not blooming yet but must be beautiful then. We were very glad we stopped at this garden.
Written March 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barbara A
Milwaukee, WI1,971 contributions
Oct 2011
This is somewhat of an arboretum and should really be enjoyed seasonally. The sculptures are so varied that there's bound to be something that appeals to everyone. For me and my young son, we go there to run around, see the ducks and geese, enjoy the flowers in bloom and get some exercise. In winter it's a great place to bring a sled and snowshoes or cross country skis. There is a building to warm up in. In Fall, the colors are magnificent because of the variety of trees. It's a park like setting with ponds, a bridge, and plenty of things your kids can touch and climb on. They also run classes so check their website for offerings. I wish it wasn't so expensive, but if you pack your own lunch and make a few hours of it, I think it's time and money well spent. Picnic tables are provided.
Written October 31, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne M
Chicago, IL112 contributions
Aug 2020
Took myself on a little "field trip to fight quarantine bordeom" today and thoroughly enjoyed this sculpture garden on the former Harry and Peg Bradley estate on Brown Deer Road. The grounds are really lovely and you are free to explore them any way you choose (there are no set paths). The artwork represents artists from around the world and includes a good mix of both men and women artists. Though modern sculpture wouldn't be my first choice, the interplay of the beautiful natural environment and these large pieces (most from the 1960s and 1970s) was interesting to see.
Makes for a good 1-2 hour outdoor adventure and is kid-friendly for kids ages about 8 and up. (Might be a smart idea to put together a little scavenger hunt for them ahead of time -- could look for specific artists, countries they represent, shapes, colors, etc.)
The indoor spaces are all closed due to Covid precautions, but there is an outbuilding that has flush toilets that is still available. (It was very clean, with fresh air circulation as well as social distancing precautions in place.) The picnic tables are off limits right now.
I wore a mask but never came within 50 feet of another person while I was there. Overall a very good diversion for this summer! Definitely would recommend.
Makes for a good 1-2 hour outdoor adventure and is kid-friendly for kids ages about 8 and up. (Might be a smart idea to put together a little scavenger hunt for them ahead of time -- could look for specific artists, countries they represent, shapes, colors, etc.)
The indoor spaces are all closed due to Covid precautions, but there is an outbuilding that has flush toilets that is still available. (It was very clean, with fresh air circulation as well as social distancing precautions in place.) The picnic tables are off limits right now.
I wore a mask but never came within 50 feet of another person while I was there. Overall a very good diversion for this summer! Definitely would recommend.
Written August 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Lynden Sculpture Garden (Milwaukee) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lynden Sculpture Garden
- Lynden Sculpture Garden is open:
- Fri - Wed 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Lynden Sculpture Garden:
- (1.16 mi) Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
- (9.71 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
- (8.68 mi) Washington House Inn
- (9.41 mi) Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
- (9.70 mi) Milwaukee Marriott Downtown
- Restaurants near Lynden Sculpture Garden:
- (8.77 mi) Glorioso's Italian Market
- (4.39 mi) Kopp's Frozen Custard Stand
- (4.42 mi) The Cheel
- (8.87 mi) Sanford Restaurant
- (8.69 mi) Amy's Candy Kitchen