Where Can You Find the Country’s Largest, Most Comprehensive Collection of American Figurative Sculptures?

This summer, art, nature and culture lovers may think only big cities like New York City and Chicago have all of the museums and sites worthy of a trip, but there’s actually a destination  much cheaper and just as rich in experiences. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, not only boasts a beautiful coastline to cool off, but it is also home to the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture: Brookgreen Gardens.

© Brookgreen Gardens

About 1,445 works of American figurative sculpture are displayed within the gardens’ Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden. Many paths connect the sculptures in their distinctive gardens, with fountains and vistas also found within. While most sculptures are by Hyatt Huntington, others are by other noted artists.

This summer and throughout the rest of the year, the garden offers different exciting events to best explore the sculptures and sites within:

“Orpheus” by John Gregory © Brookgreen Gardens

Founder’s Legacy: The Society of Animal Artists (through July 26)

Anna Hyatt Huntington’s influence shaped the direction of contemporary animal art, and this exhibition features many of today’s leading sculptors and painters.

Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith (through Aug. 22)

This event showcases vibrant glass sculptures capturing nature’s beauty. By day, the pieces shine with colors and fine details, while select summer evenings reveal illuminated sculptures.

“Raphell” by Bruno Lucchesi © Brookgreen Gardens

National Sculpture Society Awards Exhibition (Aug. 8 – Oct. 25)

The premier annual exhibition of American figurative sculpture returns, featuring the work of American masters alongside rising stars.

In addition to this vast sculpture garden, Brookgreen Gardens also includes Lowcountry Zoo, a sanctuary dedicated to native wildlife. One recent addition, Red Wolf Ridge, houses one female and two male red wolves.

A labyrinth — nightly illuminations of thousands of candles among plants and sculptures — and tours are also available.