Citygarden

Citygarden Sculpture Park is a 2.9-acre urban park located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Opened in 2009, it spans two city blocks between 8th and 10th Streets, bordered by Market Street to the south and Chestnut Street to the north. The park was designed as an accessible and interactive public space, featuring sculptures, water features, and native plantings.

The park contains 24 sculptures by renowned international artists, carefully placed throughout the landscaped grounds. Visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with many of the artworks, making it a unique and engaging experience compared to traditional sculpture gardens. The sculptures range from large-scale abstract pieces to whimsical figurative works, providing a diverse artistic experience.

Citygarden incorporates several water features that add to its appeal, especially during hot summer months. These include a 180-foot-long rectangular basin with a 6-foot waterfall, and a popular spray plaza with over 100 vertical jets. The water features not only provide visual interest but also serve as playful areas for visitors to cool off and enjoy.

The landscaping of Citygarden reflects the natural environment of the St. Louis region. Working with horticulturalists from the Missouri Botanical Garden, the designers selected plants that are native to the area, drought-tolerant, and able to withstand urban conditions. The park includes six rain gardens, which help manage stormwater runoff while adding to the garden's aesthetic appeal.

Citygarden is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all. It has no gates or perimeter fences, allowing visitors to enter freely from any direction. The park features numerous seating areas, including a long, serpentine polished granite bench that runs along the southern edge of the site.

The park serves as a vibrant public space in downtown St. Louis, attracting office workers, families, and tourists alike. It has become a popular spot for lunch breaks, casual strolls, and community gatherings, contributing to the revitalization of the downtown area.