What is it about outdoor sculptures that makes them so irresistible? When I heard there was a sculpture garden at the Irving Arts Center in Irving, Texas, I made a beeline for it. And I found a magical world of art for all ages out in the sculpture garden and inside the arts center too!
The first thing that caught my eye was the Irving Centennial Mural that surrounds the sculpture garden. Created by artist Francisco Mendoza along with 40 young artists from Irving, the Venetian glass tiles portray historic moments in Irving’s history. The showstopping mosaic mural stands ten feet high and stretches sixty-six feet wide.
Family Fun Tip: Make a scavenger hunt list of items from the mural and let kids run around and find them!
After exploring the mural, stroll along the winding pathways through the flowing fountains and flowerbeds. There’s something to please the eye at every turn. The collection of outdoor sculptures includes both permanent and rotating installations, all of which inspire curiosity and reflection.
Star Flower – James Surls
Trio by Art Fairchild (in the forefront)
Fountain Columns by Jesus Moroles
Goddess of the Golden Thighs by Reuben Nakian
’03 Politicized Democracy -John Brough Miller
If I had to choose a favorite outdoor sculpture at the Irving Arts Center, it’s this interesting twisted nest full of eggs. At least that’s what I think it is… one never knows for sure what an artist’s vision is, right?
Dwelling by Larry Whitely
Family Fun Tip: Call out the name of one of the outdoor sculptures and see if kids can guess which sculpture goes with the name. Some are pretty tricky! Here’s a printable list you can take with you when you visit.
What’s Inside the Irving Arts Center?
- Family Activities – Second Sunday Fundays, monthly Jump Start Stories & Art, Homeschool Happenings and more.
- Live events – Live theater, symphony performances, dance, puppet shows and more.
- Kids’ summer camp – This year’s theme is Art Rocks!
- Drop-in gallery tours – Take a tour of the Irving Arts Center (includes galleries and sculpture garden) on Thursdays at 6:30pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm.
- Art galleries – four galleries with frequently rotating exhibits.
- Check the Irving Arts Center calendar for upcoming events.
Irving Arts Center
Pin this post about the Irving Arts Center and its outdoor sculptures!
Irving Arts Center Visitor Info
Website
3333 North MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75062
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Need info on hotels in Irving TX? Check out my post on the Texican Court retro-inspired boutique hotel. It’s a super fun place to stay in an ideal location.
Amanda says
Sounds like the perfect place to take kids for a fun summer day trip. The sculptures look really interesting!
Alissa A Apel says
This would be one to see. My husband in particular loves to see sculpture garden’s, since he makes sculpture.
Heather says
Wow, this looks like a great place to visit! I love the look and the fact that it’s free!
Marysa says
We recently started going to some sculpture parks, and have been enjoying it. This looks like a great place to check out. Those mosaic murals are impressive!
rika says
My kids love outdoor sculpture, especially the ones with vibrant colors! I am sure that my kids would enjoy this place.
Catalina says
I love the Irving Centennial Mural. It’s so beautiful!
Melanie says
Outdoor sculptures are so lovely. The kids like walking and looking at them. They would like these, too!
Ruth I says
Everything looks amazing there! I wish I can visit soon, it would be so fun!
Lynndee says
Those sculptures look amazing. And the murals look fascinating too. Never been to Texas. Hopefully someday we get to explore that area.
Kathy says
Wow, those are some beautiful pieces. We have a place similar to this not to far away and it’s really neat to see everything. The sculptures are so neat to see. There is a lot of talent here!
Maggie says
That’s not far from my brothers place in Texas. I’m on the East coast but I’m collecting information for my visit & this will be perfect with my 10 yr old daughter.
Theresa says
I could seriously spend a day admiring all the sculptures and murals at this art center. It looks like a great way to spend the day with the family!
Jamie H says
What a fascinating place to visit! I love the mosaic mural that you have pictures of– I bet that’s amazing to see in person!
cait says
im always looking for new and fun things and this art center is truly remarkable! i wish i could take my kids bc it looks there is truly something for everyone here!
Denay DeGuzman says
That mosaic tiled wall and those beautiful sculptures are amazing! I would love to visit this fabulous center for the arts. It’s so inspiring!
Becky Willis says
This looks like a great place to visit for a wonderful family get away. I loved the wall in your first photo.
GiGi says
What a fun place to wander around! I’d love to go one day and see what it’s all about in person!
Amber Myers says
How neat! This would be such a cool art center to explore. They would make great photo ops as well. And I never know what an artist is trying to convey either. I just think what they create is awesome.
Alli Smith says
This would be a great place to take the kids! I love all the photos and there seems to be so much to see and do. We need to visit soon.