Why the UCLA sculpture garden should be next on your bucket list
Prepare to feel zen
I’ve heard that life imitates art, but this concept wasn’t fully understood until I stepped into UCLA’s sculpture garden. Curled up to the right is a metal sculpture of a woman, knees huddled to her chest, lying peacefully in a fetal position. Her name is Desnudo Reclinado, crafted by Francisco Zuniga, and the immediate urge upon seeing her is to get down on the grass and imitate art.
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is undoubtedly the most serene place on campus.;it’s easy to spend countless hours observing, pondering, napping, and having existential crises there.
It’s well-organized
The garden, simply put, is beautiful. Sculptures are placed an appropriate distance from each other, giving each its own space of grass or walkway while allowing viewers to have a lovely perspective matter where they stand.
Gorgeous trees line the park, and in the springtime and summer, vibrant colors light up the peaceful aesthetic.
It’s well-kept
The grass is always green, immaculate, and soft. The garden is perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic, and people sometimes walk their dogs or take their children to enjoy the area. Also, the sculptures are in great condition.
Occasionally, they will be removed for upkeep to ensure that viewers are getting the best experience – in which case, students step up to take their place.
The variety is stunning
While most people think of sculptures as static works, one particular sculpture in the garden features moving spokes. This piece, titled Two Lines Oblique Down, Variation II, leaves viewers transfixed as its parts move slowly and gracefully. Not only that, you can find realist and abstract sculptures of both people and animals.
Sculptures come in all shapes, sizes, and colors here.
That being said, there is something for everyone
You can tell a lot about a person based on their favorite piece; discussing favorites is a great way to make good conversation and great friends. There are abstract cubist pieces, like Cubi XX by David Smith.
Pensive by Deborah Butterfield features a horse made of bronze that looks impressively like wood.
It’s quiet, but not isolated
The students of UCLA have a unanimous respect for the beauty of the garden, so the atmosphere remains fairly quiet. However, by no means is the garden underused.
You can always find students studying, napping, posing, or picnicking in the sculpture garden.
It knows you’re a student
Not everyone has time out of their day to walk all the way to north campus just to view some sculptures. However, well-placed benches in the corners of the garden are built in unique twisting shapes perfect for laying out your notes to study outside.
Plus, each seating area features a different sculpture, making your study corner feel like a classy outdoor museum.
It has history
The rich history of this garden is evident in the variety of pieces. The sculptures are not all new – they range anywhere from 10 to 100 years old. Though most are from 1964, around the time the garden was dedicated, you can find others from different eras. Heroic Head by Aristide Maillol, dates back to 1923, and student favorite Standing Woman by Gaston Lachaisse, featured below, was created in 1932.
It embraces nature
Tall trees around the perimeter give it a mystical “secret garden” sort of feel. There are also a variety of bushes and small plants, making every inch of the park lively and green. Occasionally, you might spot some birds or squirrels stopping to enjoy the art as well: seen here is a bright bug enjoying the LA sunshine on the leg of Standing Woman.
It also embraces the culture of UCLA
This garden is just as exciting and inviting as the rest of campus, capturing the unique spirit of the school. Recently, the garden hosted a commissioning ceremony for the US Navy, taking advantage of its beautiful and admirable qualities. Students combine their respect for the art and their love of UCLA to celebrate daily all the garden has to offer.
Last but not least, its range spans across campus
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is run by the local Hammer Museum, a partner of UCLA. In total, the garden features seventy different sculptures across five acres across campus. Among this area lie a brick plaza, a tree-lined walkway, and a sloping lawn – all perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss it!
As you can see, UCLA’s sculpture garden is an absolute treasure trove. You can find it in front of Bunch Hall, located between the Young Research Library and the Office of Public Affairs. As a north campus major, I find myself spending a lot of time in this garden – and I’ve learned that there is always something new to appreciate or discover.
And, of course, I admit freely to taking naps on the grass, curled up next to the beloved Desnudo Reclinado.