Grounds For Sculpture is a 35-acre (140,000 m2) sculpture park and museum located in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States, on the former site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Founded in 1992 by John Seward Johnson II, the venue was intended to be dedicated to promoting an understanding of and appreciation for contemporary sculpture by organizing exhibitions, publishing catalogues, and offering a variety of educational programs and special community events.
In July 2000, it became a nonprofit organization open to the public. The sculpture park counts on the support of visitors, art patrons, donations, and grants to continue its growth as an outstanding center for the arts.
In 2006, "Zeus and Hera", a sculpture by Carole Feuerman was installed in the permanent collection.
Comprising over two hundred and forty large-scale contemporary sculptures, the venue includes works by Johnson, as well as renowned and emerging American and international artists. The park's outdoor collection grows by fifteen sculptures annually. Outdoor works are selected to augment indoor exhibitions, to add new artists to the sculpture park, and to complement the landscaped environment.
Rat's Restaurant is nestled in the greenery of Grounds for Sculpture. The restaurant offers an upscale dining experience for both park visitors and special events. Conceptually designed by Johnson, the restaurant's aesthetic aims to take the diner into a French impressionist painting by Claude Monet. The scenery features Johnson's own impressionist-inspired sculptures, as well as a lily pond and bridge. The restaurant boasts fine French cuisine, a rustic fireplace, handmade cocktails, and an exceptional beer and wine list.
The peculiar name of the restaurant is based on one of Johnson's favorite books, Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. For Johnson, the character Ratty is the perfect host. He likens himself to Ratty due to their love of good parties and good wine, as well as their shared tendency toward wild imaginations and dreams.
Taking seriously both words in "sculpture garden", efforts are made to carefully integrate and grow many trees, grasses, and flowers to augment the installed works. The living portion of an exhibit may change dramatically throughout the year.