OLD LYME — Museums and galleries may be closed due to the pandemic but there is still an opportunity in Old Lyme to immerse yourself in art by interacting with colorful sculptures in a soothing, safe outdoor environment. The four-plus acre Sculpture Grounds on Lyme Street in Old Lyme, Conn. remain open and free to the public during the Coronavirus shutdown.
The Sculpture Grounds are the exhibit space for nationally acclaimed sculptor Gilbert Boro, whose home and studio anchor the property along the historic Lieutenant River in Old Lyme. Boro’s exhibits are displayed on professionally-landscaped grounds that offer a refuge from everyday life to commune with both nature and art.
More than 100 sculptures of a variety of sizes and materials are spaced around the property with each location carefully considered to marry the work to its immediate surroundings. More than three quarters of the sculptures are Boro’s own designs with the remainder created by both established and emerging sculptors from around the country.
The Sculpture Grounds offer both respite for adults and exploratory play for children. Normally visitors are permitted to touch and climb the sculptures but during the Coronavirus health crisis that is not possible. The working studio and indoor art gallery are also closed during this period. Visitors are expected to self-regulate in accordance with the state quarantine social distancing and protective guidelines.
Picnics are permitted on the stone patio that contains several café tables with umbrellas. There is no food or drink for sale; visitors are encouraged to ‘Brown bag.” Admission is always free of charge with donations accepted.
Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Sculpture Grounds are minutes from Exit 70 off I-95 at 80-1 Lyme Street in the historic village of Old Lyme. Parking is available toward the rear of the property or next-door in the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts parking lot.
For more information, call 86043405957 or visit www.sculpturegrounds.com or Facebook.