Let’s take a minute to celebrate the gardens that don’t rely solely on leaves and petals to engage the spirit. Pennsylvania is full of interesting, inspiring sculpture parks, showcasing outdoor works of art large and small. An added bonus for garden lovers: These creative havens typically cultivates striking landscaping to frame the works, embracing the synthesis of art and nature. That said, sculpture parks are exciting to visit even during colder months when nothing is in bloom.

Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden, Allegheny County
The Pennsylvania sculpture scene has a new feather in its cap: The Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden at the 629-acre Hartwood Acres Park, which spans Hampton and Indiana Townships outside of Pittsburgh, showcases 14 stunning pieces of sculpture. Thirteen older pieces, including “Ring Series #5” by kinetic sculpture artist Fletcher Benton and the massive, industrial “Stretch” by Charles Ginnever, have been painstakingly restored to their former glory, and one new work, “Margie and Pete” by Pittsburgh sculptor Dee Briggs, was constructed from weathering steel. The park also features include ADA-compliant walkways, modern lighting, native landscaping, and nearly 300 new trees.

Above: Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden

Allegheny Landing Park. North Shore, Pittsburgh
Located on the riverfront adjacent to PNC park, the Allegheny Landing Park sculpture garden features George Sugarman’s free-standing sculptures; Isaac Witkin’s abstract sculpture that pays tribute to Pittsburgh’s industrial past and the confluence of the three rivers; and works by Ned Smyth whose sculptural installations reflect “mankind’s origins, the role of labor and human culture, and the balance between civilization in nature.” The beautiful setting features colorful pieces of metalwork along with intricate stone mosaics. Bring a picnic and enjoy stunning views of the city’s iconic bridges and the downtown skyline.

Above: Allegheny Landing Park

Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden, Centre Hall
Situated on a high ridge between the Nittany and Tussey Mountains, this gorgeous 150-acre garden and outdoor gallery was an active farm for more than 200 years before being purchased and enshrined as open space. The Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden collection showcases rustic, textural pieces in wood, bronze, iron, and marble. The organization puts a particular emphasis on the fruitful connection between art and nature and welcomes plein air painters to capture the grounds.

Above: Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden

James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown
This small, revered art museum in Bucks County puts just as much thought and energy into its exterior spaces as it does its indoor galleries. On the grounds of the James A. Michener Art Museum, experience several large sculptures along with an installation based on a cell from the old Bucks County Jail, the building’s earlier iteration. The Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden, a beautiful tucked-away space inside the institution, boasts more exciting works.

Above: James A. Michener Art Museum

The Bower, Shermans Dale
Completed in 2021, the 36-acre preserve known as The Bower in Perry County, just 30 minutes from Harrisburg, showcases 13 stunning sculptures formed from dry stacked stone, and polished marble, each set within a beautiful landscape featuring native plants. Artists include Rebecca Rutstein whose “Ridge and Valley” is a massive, abstract steel installation inspired by the ecoregions of the Commonwealth; Robert Koch’s “Pollen,” a series of bronze spheres, underlines naturally occurring geometries; and Swiss sculptor Evelyne Brader-Frank whose “Thaia” was inspired by Greek mythology. Reservations are required to visit.

Above: The Bower

Schaefer’s Auto Art, Erie
Here’s something a little bit different: In 1988, outsider artist Dick Schaefer began building large-scale sculptures out of old cars. These fun, whimsical, quirky works of art are displayed on a piece of land outside of Erie, and are free to visit at Schaefer’s Auto Art — we recommend coming during Halloween when many of the pieces are in costume!

Above: Schaefer’s Auto Art

Kentuck Knob, Chalk Hill
This Frank Lloyd Wright home — one of the last buildings he ever designed — might not have the name recognition of nearby Fallingwater, but is fascinating in its own right. A national historic landmark, Kentuck Knob is a modernist masterpiece that boasts more than 30 sculptures installed by Lord Peter Palumbo who with his wife, Lady Hayat Palumbo, acquired the property in the mid-1980s. Sir Anthony Caro, George Rickey, and Andy Goldsworthy are among the artists whose sculptures can be found on the property.

Above: Kentuck Knob

Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden, Center City, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art turned a problem into an opportunity, covering a large underground parking garage with a green roof/sculpture garden. Visitors to the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden can see large-scale works by major contemporary artists such as Claes Oldenburg and Toshiko Takaezu, and enjoy views of the iconic building, the Schuylkill River, and Boathouse Row.

Above: Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens at the University of Pennsylvania, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

Located on the very edge of northwest Philadelphia, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens at the University of Pennsylvania offers far more than beautiful gardens and towering trees, featuring several outdoor sculptures, including works by artists George Rickey, Madeleine Butcher, George Sugarman, and Linda Cunningham.

Above: The Morris Arboretum

Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave, Bethlehem
If you’re looking for something a little wilder, look no further than this quirky brainchild of a Lehigh University professor. Officially dubbed the Stolfo Sculpture Garden — though most locals know it as the Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave — this collection of outsider-art-inspired sculpture showcases an assortment of off-beat works by students.

Above: Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave

For more reasons to visit Pennsylvania, check out visitPA.com.

ENDS

For further press information, imagery and to discuss media visits please contact:

Anna Watt
PR Director, Greg Evans Consultancy
[email protected]
07815 898995

About Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Visit Pennsylvania is the official tourism office for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Their mission is to promote Pennsylvania as a premier travel destination, highlighting the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. The office works with industry partners and stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth, and showcase the vibrant offerings of the state to a global audience.