Loveland Sculpture Gardens Guide | Benson & Chapungu

Art in the Open Air

Loveland has quietly become one of America's great sculpture destinations. The city hosts over 400 public sculptures, two major sculpture parks, and the largest outdoor sculpture show in the United States. All of it is free to explore.

The sculpture movement began in the 1980s when artists discovered affordable studio space and a welcoming community. Today, bronze foundries dot the town, artists live and work here, and public art has become part of Loveland's identity—beyond just the "Sweetheart City" Valentine's Day tradition.

Whether you're an art collector or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Loveland's sculpture gardens offer hours of free exploration. The combination of world-class art, mountain views, and small-town charm makes this an unexpected Colorado highlight.

Major Sculpture Venues

Free outdoor galleries

Benson Sculpture Garden

Main Collection

The crown jewel with over 170 permanent sculptures spread across 10 acres. Walking paths wind through gardens and around a lake. Free, open daily dawn to dusk.

170+ Works Free

Chapungu Sculpture Park

African Art

Over 80 Shona stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. One of the largest collections of African sculpture in the US. Spiritual and powerful works set against mountain views.

80+ Works Free

Downtown Art Walk

Street Gallery

Over 150 sculptures line downtown streets and parks. Maps available at the Visitor Center. Turn a shopping trip into an art walk—sculptures hide around every corner.

150+ Works Walking

Sculpture in the Park

Annual Show

Second weekend of August in Benson Sculpture Garden. Over 160 artists display and sell work. Largest outdoor sculpture show in the US. Admission charged during event.

August 160 Artists

Visiting Benson Sculpture Garden

Location: 29th Street and Aspen Drive in Loveland. Easy parking in the adjacent lot. The garden wraps around a small lake.

Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission year-round (except during Sculpture in the Park).

What to Expect: Paved paths wind through manicured gardens with sculptures in bronze, stone, and mixed media. Styles range from realistic wildlife to abstract contemporary. Plan 1-2 hours to see everything.

Photography: Encouraged. Bring your camera. Morning and evening light make sculptures glow. Touch the art—interaction is welcomed.

Combine With: Chapungu Park is nearby. Devil's Backbone is 10 minutes west for hiking. Make a full art-and-nature day.

Why Loveland?

The Foundries: Multiple bronze foundries operate in Loveland, casting sculptures for artists worldwide. Tours available at some—ask at the Visitor Center.

Artist Community: Affordable studio space attracted sculptors in the 1980s. The community grew, and Loveland leaned in with public art purchases and annual shows.

Surprising Depth: Many visitors expect the Valentine's Day traditions but don't know about the art scene. You'll often have the gardens to yourself—a stark contrast to crowded museums.

More Colorado Art & Culture

Love outdoor art? Explore these cultural destinations

RiNo Art District, Denver: Denver's creative hub with murals, galleries, and maker spaces. Street art meets craft breweries in this walkable neighborhood.

Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park: Art galleries, wildlife photography shops, and nature-inspired creations in a mountain town setting.

Old Town Fort Collins: Historic architecture, local galleries, and regular art walks in a classic college-town downtown.

Loveland Sculpture Gardens