About

Always Growing. Always Beautiful. Always New. Bringing joy to the lives of over 14 million guests since 1995.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is a charitable 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit cultural organization with a Board of Directors overseeing the successful operation of the organization.

History

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in April 1995 after 13 years of planning and fundraising by the West Michigan Horticultural Society. In 1990, Fred & Lena Meijer were asked by Betsy Borre for their support, and they embraced the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. The original vision has turned into a top cultural destination in the Midwest, known internationally for the quality of the art and gardens.

Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. It is a non-profit organization, privately funded by grants, foundations and individual and corporate gifts. The organization is operated by almost 200 full and part-time staff, more than 850 active volunteers and supported by gifts from more than 29,000 member households and hundreds of donors.

1995 Ribbon Cutting

Fact Sheet

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, located at 1000 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids, MI, opened to the public in April of 1995. One of the nation’s most significant sculpture and botanic experiences, Meijer Gardens includes Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; five indoor theme gardens; outdoor gardens, nature trails and boardwalk; sculpture galleries and permanent sculpture collection; library; café; gift shop; education center and meeting rooms. Both indoors and outdoors, the 158-acre main campus is barrier free and handicap accessible. Our building upgrades and expansion projects have been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status by the USGBC (U.S Green Building Council). Since it opened, Meijer Gardens has attracted more than fourteen million visitors.

Fact Sheet

Partners


Meijer Gardens is a proud recipient of Operational Support and Capital Improvement funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council including federal support through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). As a grantee, Meijer Gardens advances our mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. To see a full list of all our generous corporate partners, please visit this link.

American Conifer Society


Meijer Gardens is an American Conifer Society Reference Garden. The American Conifer Society promotes the use of conifers in gardens and landscapes and educates the public about their care and conservation.

Corporate Partners

Organizational Resources

Charity Navigator is America's premier independent charity evaluator. They help charitable givers make intelligent giving decisions by providing in-depth, objective ratings and analysis of the financial health, accountability and transparency of America's largest charities. Charity Navigator awarded Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park four out of a possible four stars. This indicates that we adhere to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently execute our mission in a fiscally responsible way. Please click on the logo to review our four star rating.

Organizational Mission: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

Accessibility Statement: Accessible for all. Indoor and outdoor spaces are barrier-free, with ramps, elevators and paved pathways to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and strollers and allow easy maneuverability. Courtesy wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Although pets are prohibited, certified service dogs are welcome.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging through honest, intentional, consistent growth. This is driven by education, partnership, policy and support. Promoting respect, empathy and a willingness to understand others is essential to creating a rewarding environment for everyone to enjoy.
Fred and Lena Meijer were pioneers in advancing issues of inclusion and equity before the terms of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging were commonly used. Progressing toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging is a never-ending journey.
Meijer Gardens embraces the journey and continually strives to create an exceptional and inclusive guest, donor, member, volunteer, vendor and employee experience. Meijer Gardens is committed to being an innovator and a leader in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging, to better honor our mission.

2023-24 Board of Directors

Charles Burke, President & CEO

Donor Privacy Policy

Cultural Data Project Funder Report

2022 Annual Report

2022 Financial Statement

2022 Audit Statement

Record Retention Policy

Whistleblower Policy

Charity Navigator Rating

Key Staff Listing

Charles Burke, President & CEO
616-975-3149

Dawn Kibben, Executive Vice President & CFO
616-975-3142

Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture
616-975-3175

Peter Crawford, Vice President of Architecture, Environment & Technology
616-975-3150

Jessica Hart, Director of Education
616-975-3141

Tim Irelan, Director of Technology
616-977-7687

Stacie Niedzwiecki, Director of Culinary Arts & Events
616-975-3179

Suzanne Ramljak, Chief Curator
616-977-7685

John VanderHaagen, Director of Communications
616-975-3180

Julia VanFleet, Director of Philanthropy
616-975-3177

Alex Winn, Director of Guest Relations
616-974-5233

Sarah Zevalkink, Director of Human Resources & Diversity Engagement
616-977-7679

Careers

If you are interested in working for one of West Michigan’s premier cultural institutions and a highly-motivated team, view a full list of job opportunities. We offer full-time, part-time, as well as seasonal and internship positions.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in April 1995 after 13 years of planning and fundraising by the West Michigan Horticultural Society. In 1990, Fred & Lena Meijer were asked by Betsy Borre for their support, and they embraced the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. The original vision has turned into a top cultural destination in the Midwest, known internationally for the quality of the art and gardens.

Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. It is a non-profit organization, privately funded by grants, foundations and individual and corporate gifts. The organization is operated by almost 200 full and part-time staff, more than 850 active volunteers and supported by gifts from more than 29,000 member households and hundreds of donors.

1995 Ribbon Cutting