Up on the Roof

Our hospitality team can help plan an unforgettable event.

Photo by Kirstin Volkening.

Whether you come up for the panoramic views of our wetlands, a spectacular sunset or an evening under the stars, the new Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden does not disappoint. See why it’s quickly becoming our newest hospitality hotspot.

A modern expression of the duality of our mission, the distinctively urban Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden is so much more than a rooftop.

In every season, the scenery is stunning, with ever-changing views overlooking 30 acres of natural wetlands and rooftop beds perpetually abloom with architectural plants and important works of contemporary sculpture. Like the Holton Victorian Garden Parlor, this beautiful, new venue features an interplay of horticulture and sculpture that creates an unforgettable event experience unique to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Yet aesthetics are just the beginning. The unusual treetop setting begs for imaginative event planning, guided by our talented team of professional event coordinators. The outdoor venue, soon-to-be LEEDcertified, flexibly transforms to accommodate virtually any concept, with standing room for 120 or seating for up to 100. The intimate space is attached to the main building, just adjacent to our larger Hauenstein, Pfeiffer and Frederik Meijer Gardens Foundation rooms, as well as catering staging areas for wedding parties, VIPs, guests and staff alike.

Close proximity makes for a seamless transition from the outside in, too. Our hospitality team has designed and hosted progressive events that feature cocktails under the night sky followed by dinner inside, or quiet wedding ceremonies on the rooftop that turn into lively indoor receptions. We handle every meticulous detail and custom request with care, so guests can relax on the rooftop and enjoy one another. Being just a few steps from the main building makes it possible to stay dry and warm in case of inclement weather.

No matter the size or scope of the event, every one of our rental experiences offers exclusive amenities like multiple catering options, a full-service liquor license, convenient onsite parking and complimentary admission to open exhibits and garden areas. Our award-winning hospitality team has recently been named Best Meeting/Event Venue Outside of Detroit by Michigan Meetings + Events; Best Place for a Reception by Grand Rapids Bride; Best Wedding Venue by Grand Rapids Magazine; and the Best Place to Pop the Question Townie Award.

Magnificent or modest, personal or professional, we promise to make every event memorable. Meijer Gardens can customize any event to make it a truly exceptionable experience. For current pricing or to book your event, please call 616-975-3146 or visit MeijerGardens.org/host.

View overlooking the wetlands from the new Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden.

Photo by Peter McDaniel.

My Excavation Experience, a live auction item at the Great Gardens Party, included a dinner on the Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, after operating construction equipment and before The Temptations + The Rightous Brothers concert. The weather was perfect and the table was set with orange-cone name tags, and miniatures of the vehicles. Chef Andy Krause was amazing by creating an extraordinary ‘upscale construction worker’s lunchbox’ theme for dinner. The food, company and conversation was terrific, all complimented by this amazing new space at Meijer Gardens.

—Meg Goebel, President, Paul Goebel Group

See photos and learn more about the Excavation Experience at MeijerGardens.org/experience.