The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is an enchanting and unique public park located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This garden, a labor of love created by LDS businessman Thomas Battersby Child, Jr., is the only designated ‘visionary art environment’ in the state of Utah and contains 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a stunning tribute to Child’s deeply held religious and personal beliefs and a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region.
History
Thomas Child, a masonry contractor and Bishop of the 10th Salt Lake LDS ward, began building the garden in his backyard at the age of 57 and continued to pour his time and money into the work until his death in 1963. A child named the garden Gilgal after the Biblical location where Joshua ordered the Israelites to place twelve stones as a memorial. Many of the sculptures and quotations found at Gilgal refer to LDS themes, such as the restoration of the Priesthood, the great Mormon migration west, and the many similarities Child saw between the ancient Israelites and his LDS forefathers.
Highlights
The sculptures and stones in the Gilgal Sculpture Garden are truly a sight to behold. Here, visitors will find a sacrificial altar, a shrine to Child’s beloved wife Bertha, and an impressive sphinx with the face of Joseph Smith. Each sculpture is crafted in an unconventional, even eccentric style that is sure to capture the attention of visitors. In addition to the sculptures, the garden contains over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. These stones are a beautiful testament to Child’s passionate beliefs and an interesting way to explore the history and culture of the region.
Top Things to Do and See
- Explore the 12 original sculptures in the garden
- Take a moment to appreciate the 70 stones inscribed with scriptures, poems, and literary texts
- Learn about the history and culture of the region
- Visit the shrine to Thomas Child’s beloved wife Bertha
- Take in the stunning sphinx with Joseph Smith’s head
Conclusion
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a unique and captivating destination located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitors to the garden will be able to explore 12 original sculptures, 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts, and a shrine to Thomas Child’s beloved wife Bertha. This stunning garden is a testament to Child’s deep-felt beliefs and a beautiful way to explore the history and culture of the region. With so much to see and do, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden is an absolute must-see destination.
Tracy Aviary and Botanical Gardens