deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Explore America's largest outdoor sculpture park, featuring over 60 contemporary works across 30 acres of scenic landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore America's largest outdoor sculpture park, featuring over 60 contemporary works across 30 acres of scenic landscapes.
"A dream property for wedding photos, with amazing sculptures and gorgeous gardens."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore 30 acres of varied terrain, from lawns to gravel paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal amidst the art and nature. Many visitors bring blankets and enjoy the park-like grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sculpture Park Exploration
30-acre grounds
Wander through diverse outdoor art installations scattered across scenic lawns and woodlands.
Nature Sanctuary Trail
Nature Sanctuary area
An inspiring blend of art and environment, perfect for family strolls and creative discovery.
Iconic Sculptures
Various locations
Discover pieces that play with light, reflection, and dimension, sparking imagination for all ages.
Museum Collection
Indoor museum building
Explore a diverse collection of modern and contemporary American art within the museum's galleries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors & Art
Timing is Key for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore 30 acres of varied terrain, from lawns to gravel paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal amidst the art and nature. Many visitors bring blankets and enjoy the park-like grounds.
☀️ Prepare for Sun
Summer days can be hot with limited shade. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water.
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Kids love the interactive sculptures and open spaces. Consider a backpack for toddlers on gravel trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore 30 acres of varied terrain, from lawns to gravel paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal amidst the art and nature. Many visitors bring blankets and enjoy the park-like grounds.
☀️ Prepare for Sun
Summer days can be hot with limited shade. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water.
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Kids love the interactive sculptures and open spaces. Consider a backpack for toddlers on gravel trails.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
This is a dream location for photographers, with stunning backdrops around every corner. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise deCordova for its beautiful blend of art and nature, with the expansive sculpture park being a major draw. Many appreciate the diverse outdoor installations and the opportunity for family-friendly exploration. Some find the indoor museum collection to be a good complement, though a few felt the outdoor exhibits could be more extensive.
"It was a lovely fall day. The museum grounds are spacious and have many areas open between stands of trees, as well as art in amongst some trees. Wander around and enjoy the outdoor art and sculptures. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the park-like grounds. We had a 10 year old with us who enjoyed the open air and the fanciful sculptures."
George Riner
"Me and my husband attended on a Saturday around 11am in Jul, so it was very hot, not much shade so pre warning you.
Overall I thought it was cool but I expected more, we drove an hour and half. Some sculptures were better than others for sure."
ELOCIN RUZAM
"Our family loves visiting deCordova to check out the incredible trees and sculptures and to climb and walk around on the varied terrain. Our favorite tree is European Beech near the entrance road that has a crazy network of sturdy low-lying roots and branches that makes it feel like you’re walking into a leafy hut when you step inside it. We’re sad that the iconic metal ring sculpture on the hill is gone now, but there’s always more new things to explore when we visit. Lots of sculptures that play with light reflection, transparency, and dimensions. The grounds are doable with a stroller, but if you have a little one and you want to check out some of the gravelly trails on foot, a hiking backpack to stow your toddler in is a good idea. As always, kids and adults love playing with the massive chime sculpture by the nursery school buildings. Awesome place for a fun walk and a nature bath!"
Sharon Clark Husain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is conveniently located in Lincoln, MA, about a 20-minute drive from Boston. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most common method. Parking is available on-site.
While direct public transport is challenging, you can take a commuter rail train from Boston to Lincoln or Concord and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare to the museum. It's recommended to check current schedules and availability.
From Boston, take Route 2 West to Route 126 North. Turn right onto Sandy Pond Road, and deCordova will be on your left. Always check a GPS for real-time traffic updates.
Yes, there is parking available on-site for visitors.
DeCordova is about a 20-minute drive from Boston, making it an easy day trip. It's also within a reasonable driving distance of other towns on the North Shore and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students. Children under 12 often get in free. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure entry and potentially save time. Check their website for online booking options.
The park and museum are typically open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. They are closed on Tuesdays. Always verify hours on their official website before your visit.
Discounts are usually available for seniors and students. Check the museum's website for any special offers, group rates, or membership benefits.
Your admission ticket typically grants access to both the sculpture park and the museum. The outdoor art is a major draw, and the ticket covers the entire experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore over 60 sculptures across 30 acres, wander through the Nature Sanctuary, enjoy the indoor museum galleries featuring modern and contemporary art, and attend various events.
Absolutely! Kids often enjoy the interactive sculptures, open spaces for running, and the Nature Sanctuary. A backpack carrier might be helpful for toddlers on gravel paths.
Generally, pets are not allowed in the museum or on the sculpture park grounds, except for service animals. Please check their specific pet policy on their website.
The museum often offers guided tours, including snowshoe tours in winter and nature walks. Check their schedule for current offerings and availability.
DeCordova focuses on American contemporary and modern art, with a strong emphasis on sculpture in its outdoor park. You'll find a diverse range of styles and mediums.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the sculpture park and museum for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always check signage or ask staff.
The entire 30-acre park offers incredible photo opportunities with its diverse sculptures and natural landscapes. The iconic metal ring sculpture on the hill (though now gone) was a favorite, and many pieces play with light and reflection.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum to protect the art, wildlife, and visitor experience. Please adhere to all posted regulations.
For personal social media sharing, photography is usually fine. However, if you're planning a professional photoshoot or commercial content, it's best to contact the museum in advance to inquire about permits and guidelines.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but many sculptures are designed to interact with light in interesting ways throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. For very young children, a toddler backpack can be helpful for navigating gravel paths. The museum also offers a chance to see more contemporary art indoors, providing a well-rounded experience. Remember to check for any family-specific events or activities they might be hosting.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+1Regularly updated exhibitions ensure there's always something new to discover. The park's dynamic nature, with sculptures being added and rotated, means repeat visits offer fresh perspectives. It's an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the cutting edge of American art and appreciate how artists interact with space and landscape.
📸 Photographers
+1Whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes or intricate details, the park offers diverse compositions. The museum's indoor collection also presents opportunities for artistic photography. Remember to check for any specific photography guidelines or permit requirements for professional shoots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Sculpture Park
+1It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Some areas have gravel paths, so a stroller might be challenging, but a toddler backpack can be a great solution for families with young children. The park is also a fantastic spot for a picnic, with many visitors bringing blankets to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Seasonal changes dramatically alter the park's appearance. Fall brings vibrant foliage that complements the artwork, while winter offers a unique, serene experience, sometimes with snowshoe tours available. The ever-changing collection means there's always something new to see, even for repeat visitors.
+1The Museum's Collection
Exhibitions change periodically, so it's worth checking the museum's website for current displays and special installations. The indoor space offers a climate-controlled environment to appreciate art, complementing the outdoor experience. It's a great place to escape the elements or delve deeper into specific artistic movements and artists.
+1Many visitors find the museum's collection to be a thoughtful counterpoint to the large-scale outdoor sculptures. It allows for a more intimate engagement with art and provides context for the works displayed in the park. The combination of indoor and outdoor art makes for a well-rounded cultural experience.
Photography at deCordova
+1While personal photography is encouraged, it's important to be mindful of other visitors and the artwork itself. Avoid using flash in indoor galleries where it might be prohibited, and be aware of any specific signage regarding photography restrictions. For professional shoots or commercial use, always contact the museum in advance to secure necessary permits and guidelines.
Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. However, the sculptures are designed to be appreciated throughout the day, and many interact with light in fascinating ways regardless of the time. The diverse sculptures, varied landscapes, and changing seasons ensure that photographers will find inspiration year-round.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit