The Playful Heart of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Spoonbridge and Cherry This isn't just a sculpture; it's the iconic, beloved symbol of Minneapolis and the centerpiece of the nation's largest urban sculpture park. Created by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, it's a masterpiece of pop art that is both whimsically familiar and grandly surreal, inviting interaction and delight from every visitor. The Sculpture & Experience: 🍒 The Artwork Itself: The sculpture is precisely what its name says: a massive, 51-foot-long aluminum spoon arching over a small pond, with a bright red, fiberglass-reinforced plastic "cherry" balanced on its bowl. A fine mist of water often sprays from the cherry's stem. Its genius lies in taking an everyday object and scaling it to monumental, fountain-like proportions. 🌳 The Garden Setting: It sits within the beautifully landscaped Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is free and open to the public year-round. The spoon acts as a focal point, with pathways and sightlines from other major sculptures (like the iconic Standing Glass Fish) leading toward it. The adjacent Cowles Conservatory (home to the Walking Iris) offers a stunning glass backdrop. 📸 The Lasting Impression: A visit here is quintessentially Minneapolis. It’s a mandatory photo stop that captures the city's blend of innovative art, green spaces, and playful public spirit. "The postcard icon that defines a city's creative soul. 🥄 A playful, monumental fountain-sculpture that is the essential, must-see centerpiece of Minneapolis's vibrant art scene." 📍 Location: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (next to the Walker Art Center). Visitor Tip: Visit during daylight for the best photos. In winter, the sculpture and garden take on a beautiful, serene quality under snow. The garden is free and always open. #SpoonbridgeAndCherry #Minneapolis #Sculpture #PublicArt #WalkerArtCenter #Minnesota #Landmark #Iconic #Travel #ArtInParks