News Summary
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new exhibitions and events. The park, known for its expansive gardens and art installations, will feature Nick Cave’s outdoor sculpture ‘Amalgam (Origin)’ and the Jaume Plensa retrospective. Seasonal events like ‘Autumn Nights’ and the ‘Enlighten’ holiday light show are returning, highlighting the park’s commitment to community engagement and cultural contributions.
Grand Rapids – Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is gearing up to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a series of exciting events and installations for the community and visitors. Since its opening in April 1995, the cultural destination has attracted over 15 million guests, making it a prominent feature in the region’s landscape of art and nature.
The park, which spans 158 acres, was born from the vision of the West Michigan Horticultural Society and was supported by a substantial donation from Fred and Lena Meijer, who gifted 70 acres of land in 1990. Over the past three decades, the garden has expanded to double its initial size, with an additional 200 acres designated for future development.
Within its expansive grounds, Meijer Gardens offers an array of attractions, including five indoor theme gardens, nature trails, and an outdoor boardwalk. Home to Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, the park also features the 8-acre Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, designed by renowned landscape artist Hoichi Kurisu. The Japanese garden is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025.
Art Installations and Upcoming Events
Among the upcoming highlights at Meijer Gardens is the installation of Nick Cave’s first outdoor public sculpture, “Amalgam (Origin),” which will rise nearly 26 feet tall and is scheduled for installation in October. This new piece embodies themes of transformation, resilience, and humanity’s connection with nature.
Meijer Gardens will also host the exhibition “Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism,” marking the first U.S. retrospective of the celebrated artist, from late October 2025 until mid-March 2026. Additionally, a Chihuly exhibit is planned from May 1 to November 1, 2026, showcasing the intricate glasswork of Dale Chihuly, complementing the three permanent Chihuly sculptures already exhibited in the park.
Seasonal Attractions and Musical Events
The park has been recognized as the best sculpture park in the U.S. for three consecutive years by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, contributing to its growing popularity. Seasonal attractions like “Autumn Nights,” which occurs every Tuesday in October, and the highly anticipated holiday light show “Enlighten” are set to return starting November 24, 2025. The light show features stunning displays along a one-mile path and attracted 80,000 visitors in its inaugural year, with nearly 40% coming from outside Kent County.
For the 2025 “Enlighten” event, improvements are underway, including increased restroom facilities, expanded food options, and a larger beer garden entry. Ticket sales for “Enlighten” will begin on September 8 for members and September 15 for the general public, priced between $10 and $24 depending on the date.
Concert Series and Special Features
The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series will also see significant growth in 2025, featuring 34 performances, the largest season to date. The concerts will span from May 30 to September 14, 2025, with notable performers such as Chaka Khan, Diana Krall, Maren Morris, and Smokey Robinson scheduled to perform. Members of Meijer Gardens will have early access to presale tickets starting April 19, 2025.
In addition to its sculptures and concert series, Meijer Gardens boasts a café that offers a globally inspired menu, a gift shop with original and handmade items, a library, and meeting rooms, reflecting its commitment to education and community engagement.
Conclusion: An Evolving Cultural Center
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park continues to evolve, blending art, nature, and community involvement. With its rich history, expansive grounds, and diverse events, Meijer Gardens serves as a vital cultural hub for Grand Rapids and its visitors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Businesses Celebrate at The Excellence Exchange
The Crane Wives Celebrate Hometown Love at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Umphrey’s McGee Delights Audience at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Local Spins Concert Series Returns to SpeakEZ Lounge
Train Delivers Unforgettable Concert Experience in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Hosts Sold-Out Guster Concert
Grand Rapids Gears Up for a Brunch Renaissance
The Verve Pipe Returns to Grand Rapids with Symphony
Grand Rapids Celebrates Summer with Concerts and Festivals
Psychedelic Furs and Chameleons Rock Grand Rapids Audience
Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Meijer Gardens ‘Enlighten’
- Wikipedia: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- MLive: Meijer Gardens Immersive ‘Enlighten’
- Google Search: Frederik Meijer Gardens events
- Local Spins: Meijer Gardens Summer Concerts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Meijer Gardens Concert Lineup
- Google News: Meijer Gardens
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
