One of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, serves more than 550,000 visitors annually. It also was ranked in the 100 most visited art museums in the world, according to Art Newspaper.
The leading authority on global art news published the survey in its April issue, ranking Meijer Gardens 94th among iconic museums Louvre, Guggenheim and MoMA. Meijer Gardens attracted 578,020 visitors in 2011. Believe it or not, it is the only Michigan arts organization to make the list, joining Art Institute of Chicago (ranking 30 with 1,440,599 visitors) to represent the Midwest.
“Such recognition celebrates the legacy of our beloved Fred Meijer, who passed away last November,” says Joseph Becherer, VP and chief curator. “How terrific it was for him to enjoy our 2011 exhibitions and how thrilled he was by our recent acquisitions of iconic works by Jim Dine, Roxy Paine, Peter Randall Page and Kiki Smith.”
The 132-acre grounds feature Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, one of the largest children’s gardens in the country, arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Degas and Rodin, a carnivorous plant house, outdoor gardens and a 1900-seat outdoor amphitheater featuring an eclectic mix of world-renowned and local musicians every summer. The internationally acclaimed Sculpture Park features a permanent collection including works by Rodin, Oldenburg, Moore, Bourgeois and Plensa, among others. Indoor galleries host changing sculpture exhibitions with recent exhibitions by Picasso, Degas, di Suvero, Borofsky, Calder and Dine.
“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is honored to be recognized for our commitment to welcome and inform such a wide and growing audience,” explains Becherer. “We know that our guests come from across the country and around the world to enjoy our unique collections and exhibitions, gardens and grounds.”
And, you can get involved. Here’s how to be a do-gooder:
• Learn more about the organization at their
website
• LIKE them on
facebook
• Plan a
visit
• Become a
member
•
Volunteer
•
Donate
Source: Joseph Becherer, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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