Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK HONORS ITS NAMESAKE

Fred Meijer shared his passion for sculpture with visitors from around the world

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., - December 6, 2011 - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park celebrates the life of its namesake Frederik G.H. Meijer, who died on November 25. The retail magnate responsible for creating the "supercenter" store format made significant contributions to education, healthcare, parks and recreation programs and theater, but the centerpiece of his legacy is the 132-acre sculpture park and display gardens. It is now one of the 100 most-visited art museums in the world.

"Fred was an extraordinary individual and his open generosity may be unparalleled," said David Hooker, President & CEO. "Among his greatest joys was witnessing the delight others took in our collections and exhibitions."

The unique marriage of horticulture and sculpture for which Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is known emerged from Meijer's passion for art and his wife Lena's love of flowers and gardening. The organization opened in 1995 with Meijer's initial gifts: a $1.5 million grant, 72 acres of land, the construction of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and 40 works of sculpture.

His contributions continued to extend the mission of the organization. A 35-acre Sculpture Park opened in 2002 with 24 works from internationally acclaimed artists including Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Magdalena Abakanowicz and Mark di Suvero, among others.

Other landmark contributions include a 1,900-person Amphitheater Garden (2003), Michigan's Farm Garden (2003) and the Lena Meijer Children's Garden (2004).

Today the collection presents nearly 300 works from Rodin to Roxy Paine. Major masters and contemporary artists survey the history of sculpture from the late 19th century to the present in an array of well-planned and tended gardens, wildflower meadows and woodlands.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes more than 550,000 visitors annually. Rooted in Grand Rapids, it has become a global interest welcoming audiences of every age and experience.

"In 1999, Fred expressed his desire to build a world-class collection and he was true to his word," said Joseph Becherer, Vice President and Chief Curator of Horticulture and Sculpture. "We celebrate his legacy and look forward to carrying his vision and enthusiasm forward."

Most of the world's greatest collectors and philanthropists enjoy their passion privately and then, perhaps present it to the public. Fred Meijer gave so the public could enjoy from the very beginning, knowing that his actions would bring even greater joy and fulfillment over time.

Meijer said at the opening of the Sculpture Park, "People deserve a place that inspires them, challenges them and offers opportunities to consider the beauty and mysteries of the human experience."

In 2008, the International Sculpture Center presented Fred and Lena Meijer with the Patron's Award for their exemplary contributions to the advancement of contemporary sculpture.

"As Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park prepares to welcome its 7 millionth guest in the coming weeks, we are proud to continue Fred Meijer's legacy and share his passion for sculpture with visitors from around the world," said Hooker.