Every city deserves a symbol as joyful as this one: a 1,200-pound cherry balanced on a giant spoon that sprays water into a pond. Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s Spoonbridge and Cherry has grinned over the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden since 1988 — the happiest landmark in Minnesota.
The garden spreads 19 acres beside the Walker Art Center with more than 60 sculptures: a giant blue rooster (Hahn/Cock) strutting on the lawn, a cowhide-patterned love seat, Robert Indiana’s LOVE and an arbor of living trees woven into art. Admission is free, every day, all year.
Come in summer for picnics among the masterpieces, or in winter when the spoon wears a cap of snow. Either way, bring a camera — this garden invented the art selfie.
