Near the mouth of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay lies the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, MD. This cool little sculpture garden offers a fun blend of art and nature, and invites you to go on a journey of creativity and exploration. It’s a great place to bring the littles, but is also a lovely garden oasis for adults who enjoy art outdoors — a peaceful place that’s not too far away from the hustle and bustle! It’s one of my favorite places to visit, and over the years, I’ve brought many visitors to enjoy the sculpture and a short walk in the woods.
Do you love art outdoors? Check out the National Sculpture Garden, Grounds for Sculpture and Art Omi.
As you wander along the short walking path that winds through the woods of Annmarie, you’ll encounter a variety sculptures in a variety of media, mostly metal, wood and stone, including works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. This outdoor gallery, born from the generous donation of Francis and Ann M. Koenig in 1991, integrates six original artworks into its 30-acre landscape.
Strategically placed benches offer opportunities to sit and contemplate your surroundings, or for tired tiny tot legs or arthritic joints to rest. Be sure to look for the hidden fairy houses and gnomes along the path. Kids will enjoy looking for those, they pop up everywhere! The wooded setting can really lower your blood pressure a bit, so allow yourself to be captivated by the beauty and calm of the tall surrounding trees.
The sculpture garden evolves with the seasons, offering you opportunities to witness the transformative power of outdoor art and nature. Delightful walking paths and clear allies beckon you to explore further, with strategically placed sculptures inviting contemplation and reflection. My most recent visit was during the end of the azalea blooming season.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden’s Exhibits
In 2003, Annmarie Sculpture Garden joined the prestigious Smithsonian Institution’s Affiliations Program, enabling it to borrow several stunning sculptures from the renowned Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. Every time I visit, I make sure I seek out the “Woman’s Walk,” adorned with six bronze figures loaned from the Hirshhorn’s collection, celebrating the beauty and strength of the female form.
You’ll also encounter whimsical exhibits like birdhouses, fairy houses and even gnomes, adding a touch of playfulness to your artistic journey. Annmarie Sculpture Garden is not only a place of artistic discovery but also a space where visitors of all ages can connect with nature and unleash their creativity.
Be sure to check out the indoor galleries, as well as the store and children’s art area. The contemporary building offers a modern setting perfect for artists to demonstrate and show their work. The indoor galleries are full of rotating exhibits. I visited during the opening evening of an exhibit of POP: Art with Mass Appeal. Purple bananas, Mario and Princess Leia and more delighted me and other visitors! I loved the playfulness of this exhibit!
Know Before You Go
Annmarie Sculpture Garden is mobility friendly, with exhibits with wide spaces and hallways, elevator and accessible bathroom, and smoothly paved path outdoors. Annmarie also offers special events throughout the year and lighted gardens in winter to celebrate the holidays.
After visiting Annmarie, be sure to explore nearby Solomon’s Island, a charming town offering delectable dining options along the waterfront. Indulge in mouthwatering delights like crab cake sandwiches, Maryland crab soup, or savor the tranquility as you enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking the Patuxent River at the Solomons Pier restaurant.
Getting there: 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD
Hours:
Website: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
Southern Maryland offers a lot to see and do! Check out the links below to find more great daytrip destinations:
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Black Swamp Creek Kayaking
Calvert Marine Museum
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Fort Foote
Fort Washington
Historic Port Tobacco Village
Historic London Town
Indian Head Rail Trail
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Linville Manor
Mount Calvert Historic & Archeological Park
Riversdale House
St Clements Island State Park
Thomas Stone National Historic Site