Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Closes For Reconstruction Project

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Lovers of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden will have to wait until next summer to visit.

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) says the iconic garden is closed for a reconstruction project to "rebuild its failing infrastructure, breathing new life into the beloved Minnesota cultural institution."

According to the MPRB, the project includes increased accessibility with new walkways, a larger bathroom facility, and improved energy efficiency by converting the Cowles Conservatory into an open air pavilion. Also, complete reconstruction will be done to infrastructure such as irrigation, drainage, stormwater systems and other physical assets.

The work is expected to be complete in about a year. A grand reopening is planned for the summer of 2017.

The garden will remain closed until work is completed.