Gardens welcomes 17 millionth visitor
From left to right: Judi Damphousse from South Lyon, Andrea Stoll from Brighton, Charles Burke, Judy Keeling from Green Oaks | Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Charles Burke greeted the garden's 17 millionth guest and presented them with a special gift basket to commemorate the occasion.
"Welcoming our 17 millionth guest is a remarkable milestone that speaks to the enduring vision of Fred and Lena Meijer and the continued support of our members, donors, volunteers, staff and community," said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. "For more than 30 years now, Meijer Gardens has inspired curiosity, creativity and connection through art, culture and nature, and we are honored to share that experience with millions of guests from around the world as we look to the future."
Since opening its doors in 1995, Meijer Gardens has welcomed guests from around the world to experience the unique intersection of art, culture, and nature. Over the past three decades, the organization has evolved into one of the world's most significant cultural destinations, engaging millions of guests through world-class sculpture, horticultural excellence, educational programming and year-round events.
Attendance has been particularly strong in 2026 during the highly anticipated CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank exhibition, showcasing the vibrant and imaginative work of renowned artist Dale Chihuly throughout the indoor galleries and outdoor landscapes. The exhibition has attracted visitors from around the world, further cementing Meijer Gardens' reputation as a premier destination for arts and culture.
The milestone also reflects the strength of Meijer Gardens' diverse year-round offerings. Guests continue to enjoy signature experiences including Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series, seasonal horticultural displays, major sculpture exhibitions, educational classes and lectures, family programming, University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions and innovative seasonal experiences such as ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank. Together, these exhibitions and experiences create a dynamic year-round event calendar that encourages repeat visitation while welcoming new audiences each year.
Meijer Gardens' growing popularity has also been recognized nationally and internationally. It consistently ranks among the 100 most-visited art museums in the world and the 15 most-visited art museums in the United States. Meijer Gardens also was named Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Additionally, Meijer Gardens was named a winner in the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards in the Memorable Attractions category.
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