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Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden: An Oasis of Art and Nature

Discover a world-class sculpture collection in a serene garden setting at UCLA's Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden. Open 24/7 & free!

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The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, located on the UCLA campus, is a five-acre haven displaying over 70 modern and contemporary sculptures. The garden offers a unique blend of art and nature, inviting visitors to explore works by renowned artists in a serene, park-like setting.

A brief summary to Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

  • Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, 245 Charles E Young Dr E, Los Angeles, Westwood, California, 90095, US
  • +1310-443-7000
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for softer light, ideal for photography.
  • Bring a picnic blanket to relax and enjoy a meal amidst the sculptures.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to fully explore the garden paths.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hammer Museum, head north on Westwood Blvd through the UCLA campus. Turn right at Janss Steps, then left at the flagpole, passing Haines Hall on your left. Turn right at Richard Serra's T.E. UCLA, a large tilted cylindrical sculpture. The Sculpture Garden will be on your right. This walk is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the UCLA campus. From Westwood, take any bus heading towards UCLA and disembark at a stop along Westwood Plaza or Hilgard Avenue. From there, walk towards the center of campus and follow signs to the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden. Bus fares typically cost $1.75 for a single ride. Check the local transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information.

  • Driving

    From Sunset Boulevard, head south on Hilgard Avenue and take the first right into the UCLA campus. Turn left into Parking Structure 3 (P3), the closest parking to the garden. After exiting the parking lot, walk past the Broad Art Center and turn left at Richard Serra's T.E. UCLA sculpture. Parking fees at Structure 3 vary, check UCLA Transportation website for current rates. As of July 2025, parking is approximately $14 for the first two hours, and $3 per hour thereafter.

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Discover more about Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

Nestled within the bustling UCLA campus, the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden provides a tranquil escape where art and nature intertwine. Dedicated in 1967, the garden was envisioned by UCLA Chancellor Franklin D. Murphy as a space for students and the public to experience art in their daily lives. Landscape architect Ralph Cornell designed the five-acre site, formerly a parking lot, into a harmonious environment that complements the sculptures. The garden showcases over 70 sculptures by prominent artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, and Barbara Hepworth. The collection features a diverse range of figural and abstract works, crafted from materials like bronze, steel, aluminum, and stone. The sculptures are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, with pieces placed along pathways, in terraces, and amidst the greenery. The garden's design includes a formal plaza, a walkway lined with South African coral trees, and an informal sloping lawn with textured pathways. Visitors can relax in informal seating areas and open lawns, enjoying the interplay of art and nature. The garden is open 24 hours and free to the public, making it an accessible space for all to appreciate art and find serenity.

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