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Garden of Gethsemane: A Sanctuary of Sculpture and Reflection

Discover a peaceful sanctuary in Tucson featuring religious sculptures by Felix Lucero, a WWI veteran and self-taught artist.

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The Garden of Gethsemane in Tucson is a serene sculpture garden featuring religious works by artist Felix Lucero. Created as a promise after his survival in WWI, the garden offers a peaceful space for reflection amidst concrete statues depicting biblical scenes.

A brief summary to Garden of Gethsemane

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) for the most comfortable experience, as the garden is entirely outdoors.
  • Take your time to appreciate the details in each of Felix Lucero's sculptures, reflecting on their historical and religious significance.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Santa Cruz River or explore other nearby attractions in downtown Tucson.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Tucson, head west on W Congress St for approximately 0.5 miles. The Garden of Gethsemane is located at 602 W Congress St, on the left. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take any Sun Tran bus route that stops near the intersection of Congress St and 6th Ave in downtown Tucson. From there, walk west on Congress Street for about 5 minutes to reach the garden at 602 W Congress St. As of July 2025, all Sun Tran routes are fare-free.

  • Car

    From I-10, take the Congress Street exit and head east. The Garden of Gethsemane is located at 602 W Congress St, just west of downtown. Limited street parking is available. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Garden of Gethsemane

Nestled in downtown Tucson along the Santa Cruz River, the Garden of Gethsemane offers a tranquil escape with a unique blend of art and history. This walled sculpture garden showcases the religious artwork of Felix Lucero, a self-taught artist who dedicated his life to creating these pieces after surviving World War I. Lucero, a native of Colorado, was serving in France during WWI when he made a vow to devote his life to religious art if he survived the war. After the war, Lucero lived in Tucson during the Great Depression, and in 1938, he began sculpting figures from the soil of the Santa Cruz riverbed. His sculptures, initially crafted from plaster and river sand, depict scenes from the life of Christ, including the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Holy Family. Local residents even served as models for some of the sculptures. Over the years, the sculptures have faced challenges, including floods and vandalism. The statues were moved in 1971 and restored in 1982 as part of a flood control project on the Santa Cruz River. Today, the garden is maintained by the City of Tucson, the State of Arizona, and the Downtown Development Corporation. Visitors can explore the garden's Christian-themed sculptures and a small shrine where tokens of faith are often left. The Garden of Gethsemane provides a serene environment for contemplation and appreciation of art and Tucson history.

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