For this month’s blog post, Bridget is taking over with a collection of photos from sculpture gardens spanning from the Bay Area to Copenhagen.  We hope you enjoy from your screen, or maybe you’ll feel inspired to plan your next travel destination! 

It’s no secret that we at Nystrom Design have a passion for all things art and nature. So you can imagine our delight when these loves combine in the form of an outdoor sculpture garden. Today I’m going to walk you through a few of my favorites.

Storm King Art Center – New York

Located in the Hudson River Valley of New York (about an hour north of NYC), Storm King is a completely open-air museum with one of the largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the country. Spanning about 500 acres of rolling hills, Storm King is home to a collection of works by well-known masters such as Alexander Calder and Richard Serra as well as more contemporary artists such as Andy Goldsworthy and Maya Lin.

While at Storm King you don’t just view the art – you experience it. Set against green hills and blue sky, the monumental black and red Calder sculptures make a strong visual statement. And their impact is only heightened by the opportunity to stand alongside, walk around, and even walk under or through these giant pieces.

One of the most beautiful times of year to visit is in the autumn when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing color. It’s easy to spend an entire day meandering through the property – by foot, by bike, or even by guided trolley car.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – Denmark

When my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Denmark a few years ago, I asked Ellen for her list of must-sees. (After all, she had been lucky enough to spend a summer studying in Copenhagen while earning her Masters of Interior Architecture.)   Top on her list was the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and once there, it was easy to see why.

Located about 20 miles north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art doesn’t just house art – it IS art. From its gorgeous modern Danish architecture to its impeccable landscaping and gardens, there is beauty and design to appreciate at every corner.

After exploring the modern and contemporary art within its walls, we spent the rest of our afternoon strolling around the museum grounds. Located on the shore of the Oresund Sound, there are large sculptures set against sweeping water views. Or meander a bit more through the lush gardens, and you find art tucked quietly amidst the trees.

Filoli Historic House & Garden – California

During this past pandemic year, I found a renewed appreciation for the beauty and safety of the outdoors. Without being able to travel too far from home, we were lucky enough to find an escape in the nearby Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside, California.

Most notably, we took advantage of visiting this past Fall (thanks to Ellen for the tip!) to see the exhibit entitled “Kristine Mays: Rich Soil,” which featured a series of life-size wire sculptures thoughtfully placed throughout the gardens. Mays’ sculptures depict the human form through garments – each embodying a fleeting gesture or movement.

While the gardens are gorgeous to visit on their own, there was something uniquely striking about walking past each of these sculptures set against the backdrop of the exquisitely maintained landscape. Each time, it felt like passing by ballerinas dancing among the flowers.

And no matter which garden you find yourself in this summer, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!