New Year Highlighted by Sculpture Exhibitions
BUSTED: Contemporary Sculpture Busts and Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — January 14, 2025 — Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most visited cultural and horticultural destinations, announces its 2025 calendar of events, celebrating a landmark “120 Seasons” and continuing its commitment to promoting art, culture, and nature. Meijer Gardens also will commemorate its 30th anniversary with birthday cake for guests on April 20, 2025.

“We are thrilled to embark on our 30th year of creating unforgettable experiences for our community and visitors from around the world,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “As a place where art, culture, and nature come together, Meijer Gardens offers something truly special for everyone. We look forward to welcoming guests of all ages to discover the joy, beauty, and inspiration that await around every corner.”

In addition to perennial favorites like The Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens, MUMS at Meijer Gardens, and The University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions, the year will be punctuated by sculpture exhibitions of national significance, including BUSTED: Contemporary Sculpture Busts (April 4-Sept. 21) and Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism (Oct. 24, 2025-March 15, 2026). ENLIGHTEN also returns for a second year in November with all-new lighting and musical elements.

Featured Annual Exhibitions and Special Events:

  • David Smith: The Nature of Sculpture: through March 2
  • BUSTED: Contemporary Sculpture Busts: April 4–Sept. 21. A unique sculpture exhibition, featuring contemporary busts by celebrated artists.
  • Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming: March 1–April 30. The annual butterfly exhibition returns, transforming the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory into a colorful sanctuary with thousands of tropical butterflies.
  • Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club: Tuesdays, June 17–August 26, 7-9 pm. Featuring diverse local and regional artists in an intimate setting, Tuesday evenings are ideal for enjoying music outside in a scenic atmosphere.
  • Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens: Various dates, lineup announced in April. A beloved tradition, these concerts bring top musicians to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater all summer long.
  • MUMS at Meijer Gardens: Oct. 1–31. MUMS at Meijer Gardens showcases Michigan’s largest display of chrysanthemums. This vibrant exhibition features fall programming, Tuesday evening events and thousands of garden and specialty mums in stunning autumn colors.
  • Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens: Tuesdays in October, 5-9 pm. Guests enjoy evening hours and special programming amidst autumn beauty.
  • Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism: Oct. 24–March 15, 2026. This exhibition explores the artist’s career-long engagement with universal human themes such as dreams, desire, justice and mortality. Featuring both monumental sculptures and more intimate works, this is the first U.S. retrospective of this internationally celebrated artist.
  • University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions: Nov. 26–Jan 4, 2026. The signature holiday exhibition returns with international décor, displays and traditions, engaging programming, and a festive atmosphere.
  • ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens: 26–Jan. 3, 2026. This immersive experience returns, featuring a stunning one-mile illuminated pathway with innovative light displays, enchanting music, interactive experiences, and world-renowned sculpture.

Additional 2025 Highlights by Month:

January

  • Meijer Gardens will be closed to the public each Monday in January for staff professional development.
  • Wintertime Walks in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Each Weds & Fri, 10:30 a.m.
  • Cozy Tales in the Wege Library: Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
  • David Smith: Sculpture as Complex as Life (lecture by Jennifer Field): Jan. 12, 2-3 p.m.
  • Grand Valley Orchid Society Orchid Show: Sales and displays, Jan. 25–26
  • Winter Break Camps – various dates, check website for details.

February

  • David Smith Exhibition Explorations: Feb. 2 & 9, 2-4 p.m.
  • Cozy Tales for Chilly Days in the Wege Library: Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
  • Winter Nights at Meijer Gardens: Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m.
  • Winter Family Day in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Feb. 15, 1-4 p.m.
  • Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet: Feb. 15–16

March

  • Member early hours for butterflies: Sundays, 9-11 a.m.
  • Secchia Garden Lecture: March 11, 7-8 p.m. In celebration of Meijer Gardens’ 30th anniversary, Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre and Senior Horticulture Lead Ian Warnock will reminisce about their journey designing and caring for our lush landscapes and groundbreaking projects.
  • Night of the Butterflies (Member Event): March 23 & 30, 6-8 p.m.

April

  • Spring Break Camps: April 7–11
  • Inclusive Accessibility Nights: April 7, 9, 10 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Spring Farm Walk at Michigan’s Farm Garden: April 15, 22, 29 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens – Member Ticket Presale Begins: April 19 at 9 a.m.
  • Meijer Gardens 30th Birthday Celebration: April 20. Enjoy cake (while supplies last) and community as Meijer Gardens celebrates three decades of art, culture, and nature.
  • Earth Day Celebration: April 22, 1-4 p.m.
  • Spring Nights at Meijer Gardens: April 22 & 29, 5-9 p.m.

May

  • Naturalist Walk in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: 10:30 a.m.
  • Meijer Gardens Michigan All-State Bonsai Show: May 10–11
  • Great Gardens Gala presented by Northern Trust – Celebrating 30 Years: May 16, 6 p.m.
  • Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: May 18, 1-4 p.m.
  • BUSTED Exhibition Program: May 25, 2 p.m.

June

  • Farm Family Weekend at Michigan’s Farm Garden: June 7–8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Summer programming in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Mondays and Wednesdays in June & July, 10:30 a.m.
  • Summer Camps
  • Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: June 22, 1-4 p.m.
  • BUSTED Exhibition Program: June 22, 2 p.m.
  • Fridays at the Farm at Michigan’s Farm Garden: June 27, 10:30 am-1:30 p.m.

July

  • Summer programming in Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Mondays and Wednesdays in July, 10:30 am
  • Red, White, Blue, and You Celebration in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: July 4, 10 am-12 pm
  • Summer Camps
  • Sunday Strings Concerts in the Huizenga Grand Room: Sundays in July 2-3 p.m.
  • Grand Valley Daylily Society Daylily Show: July 13, 11 am-5 p.m.
  • BUSTED Exhibition Program: July 16, 2 p.m.
  • Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: July 20, 1-4 p.m.
  • Fridays at the Farm at Michigan’s Farm Garden: July 25, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

August

  • Sunday Strings Concerts in the Huizenga Grand Room: Aug. 3, 10 from 2–3 p.m.
  • Summer Camps
  • Summer programming in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Aug. 4, 6, 11, 13 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m.
  • BUSTED Exhibition Program: Aug. 17, 2 p.m.
  • Fridays at the Farm at Michigan’s Farm Garden: Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

September

October

  • West Michigan Bonsai Club Fall Bonsai Show: Oct. 4–5
  • Japanese Teahouse Open Hours: Oct. 19, 1-4 p.m.
  • Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism: Oct. 24–March 15, 2026. A captivating new sculpture exhibition by renowned artist Jaume Plensa explores themes of humanity and interconnectedness.
  • Hallowee-Ones in Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

November

  • Jaume Plensa Exhibition Program: Nov. 9, 2-3 p.m.
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 25, 6 p.m.
  • Meijer Gardens Closed for Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 27

December

  • Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition Submissions Close: Dec. 1
  • Holiday programming: Tuesdays in December, 5-9 p.m.
  • Wintertime Walk in Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 & 26 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Sparkle! Presented by Greenleaf Trust: Dec. 4
  • University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions Exhibition Program: Dec. 7 & 14, 2-3 p.m.
  • Winter Break Camps: Dec. 22, 23, 29 & 30. Families can enjoy hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity and creativity during the school break.
  • Meijer Gardens Closed: Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1, 2026

Please note, information is subject to change and events will be added throughout the year. For more information about Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, visit MeijerGardens.org

Photos available HERE

HOURS:

Sunday 11 a.m.—5 p.m., Monday 9 a.m.—5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.—9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 9 a.m.—5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Check MeijerGardens.org for extended spring break and holiday hours.

Meijer Gardens is closed Mondays in January; Thanksgiving; December 24, 25, 31; Jan. 1.

ADMISSION RATES:

Adults (14—64) $22 | Seniors (65 and older) $17 | Students (with student ID) $16 | Children (3—13) $11 | Children (2 and younger) free

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About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was named the 2023 and 2024 Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and listed as the 90th-most-visited museum in the world by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. Education programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings and award-winning catering. The 158-acre main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an 8-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians each summer. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Michele Oka Donor, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented shows by Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Rebecca Louise Law, Pablo Picasso, George Segal and others.

 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.