Gilgal Sculpture Garden

Gilgal Sculpture Garden sits mid block in the East Central neighborhood of Salt Lake City, hidden behind the houses and businesses that line 500 South. It was envisioned, designed, and created by Thomas Battersby Child Jr., a masonry contractor who began work in 1945 and kept building until his death in 1963. The official garden history describes it as Utah’s only identified visionary art environment.

Inside are 12 original sculptures set among the plantings, along with more than 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. Among the works is a stone Sphinx. Walking tour brochures are available at the garden, and reading the engravings takes more time than the small footprint suggests, so leave room in the afternoon for it.

As of August 2026, admission is free and the garden is open seven days a week. Hours shift with the season: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April through September, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October through March. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The garden is outdoors and has little shelter.

The garden is a short trip east of downtown Salt Lake City at 749 East 500 South. Parking is available on 500 South between 700 and 800 East, in front of the garden entrance, and the grounds are fully accessible to wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash and owners pick up after them. As of August 2026, weddings, receptions, and other gatherings are possible with a use permit from the Salt Lake City Parks Division, and garden policy does not allow food or catered events.