Denver Botanic Garden Sculpture Garden

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Cheesman Park James N. Manley Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Denver Botanic Garden Sculpture Garden is an outdoor art museum located in Denver, Colorado that features a collection of more than 80 contemporary sculptures by artists from around the world.

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Summary

The garden is spread over three acres and showcases sculptures made from various materials such as bronze, steel, stone, and wood.

The garden offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of art and nature combined. The sculptures are integrated into the landscape and complement the surrounding flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the garden at their own pace and take in the diverse range of artwork on display.

Some of the most notable sculptures include "Red Sentinel" by Beverly Pepper, "Spiral Dance" by Robert Mangold, and "Squash" by John Mason. Each sculpture has a unique story and meaning behind it, and visitors can learn more about the artists and their work through guided tours and educational materials.

Interesting facts about the garden include its location adjacent to Cheesman Park, a historic park that was once a cemetery, and its partnership with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center, which offers photography classes and workshops.

The best time of year to visit the Denver Botanic Garden Sculpture Garden is during the summer months when the garden is in full bloom and the sculptures are highlighted by the warm sunlight. However, the garden is open year-round and offers different experiences in each season.

Overall, the Denver Botanic Garden Sculpture Garden is a must-visit destination for art and nature lovers alike. Its unique collection of contemporary sculptures, stunning landscape, and educational opportunities make it a truly special place to visit.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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