I have went by the Topiary Park so many times without knowing what the topiary was about. It's actually based on a famous painting and the people in it are the bushes. The whole thing is pretty amazing. It's a great copy of the painting, and the park itself is nice. This is good for people looking to kick back outside, and if you like art you will appreciate it. I knew about this park but didn't know the topiary figures were based on anything. They are an interpretation of a painting. It's one I know about. The painting is George Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Grand Island. This is the one where a bunch of people are sitting and standing next to a pond. Stand near the top of the hill to see the whole thing from the correct angle. There is a plaque with the painting so you can compare them. I think it has a great location because it's close to the Columbus Museum of Art and the main library, and several colleges including CCAD. This is a nice compliment to the area. It also has a museum but it's always been closed each time I've been here. The park contains some benches and tables to sit at. I recommend this for any fan of art. It's close to some colleges, libraries, and museums, so it's in a good location, and it's easy to make a stop here. This is fun to compare the painting and topiary, and there's lots of opportunities for pictures. read more

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Somehow I had not made it here yet. We went to the library, and walked out the back door into this lovely, fairly large park. The topiary display is of course the star- Seurat's masterpiece, in green. Baby K was in awe: "the bushes look like people! Like us!" She liked wandering amongst them, as did Sweetie, and even me. There is shade, there's a pond, and there is more to the park- lots of room to walk and lounge, benches, trees, flowers, etc. Plenty of parking at the library, and all along the edges of the park. We'll be back, I'm sure, and hopefully come when the little museum store is open (basically early afternoon.) A lovely spot in downtown, well-known even to people who have lived here for years and still not visited (like me, unfortunately.) read more

This was a super cute park that we really enjoyed. I loved looking at the topiary that depicts a famous painting. One thing to note is there wasn't really any place to walk closely to it so we had to walk on the grass. Didn't bother me but I kind of felt that we shouldn't be walking on the grass but in order to get closer we needed to. Also there were a lot of homeless there the day that we went. There seemed to be an argument going on and a lot of yelling. Just be aware of your surroundings. read more

A beautiful outdoor space with lots of shade and views. "The topiary garden, officially the Topiary Garden at Old Deaf School Park, is designed to depict figures from George Seurat's 1884 painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." It's easy to imagine being a part of the scene and find a place to relax in the park/garden. read more

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This is a really nice park for anyone who needs to get out of the office during their lunch. There's a little trail that goes around the park, and lots of topiary type shrubs to look at. It's directly behind the main library, which is also a treat to visit when downtown. read more

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The Topiary Park is one of my favorite hidden gems of Columbus! So what is it? It's a park modeled after Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon On The Isle Of La Grande Jatte. THERE ARE TOPIARIES SHAPED TO BE A FAMOUS SEURAT PAINTING. 10 years after moving here, I still have trouble wrapping my mind around the awesomeness of that. The park is incredibly beautiful, and it's the perfect spot for some peace and quiet, a picnic, a run, or even a summer movie. Yep, one of my favorite things to do in the summer is to catch a film in the park! There's also an on-site visitor center with super helpful staff, a gift shop, and a small event space. You could totally have your wedding at the park and then use the visitor center for food, drinks, getting ready, a reception, etc. Boom, I just planned your wedding. If you're afraid of parking downtown, don't be! There are loads of meters surrounding the park, so you shouldn't have any trouble at all. read more

I was invited to speak about a book I wrote on Columbus and someone asked what was the most unique thing I discovered about the city. I answered- the Topiary Garden- but I didn't come across it during recent research... I accidentally stumbled into the park grounds 12 years ago after leaving the Columbus Metropolitan Library (behind which it sits). The garden is inspired by the post-Impressionaist painter, Georges Seurat's painting titled "A Sunday On The Island Of La Grande Jatte." It was conceived in 1989 by the local artist, James T. Mason who teaches sculpture at the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's Cultural Arts Center. The topiaries include 54 human figures, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, a cat and a real pond with topiary boats. As an art historian, I immediately recognized the whimsical monkey figure, which back then was still little more than wire framing waiting to be filled in. I was instantly hooked and have watched the figures blossom into full-grown topiaries over the years. The Topiary Garden is not only unique to Columbus, but unique to the world. As far as we know, this is the only landscape painting translated directly into the literal landscape. Topiary is an art form, that when pulled off correctly, can be mesmerizing and playful.... and this place is definitely both (especially during summer). Access to the park is free and the small museum tour is open select hours a few days a week from April through December. The garden is also home to free weekday concerts as part of the city's' Music in the Air series in July and August. read more

I'm an art history nerd. This was right up my alley. However, even if you aren't an art fan, this is a fabulous park...right in the middle of the city! The park is maintained well. There are open spaces, tables and benches scattered around the park. The portion with the topiary is nestled in one corner, and the rest of the park is just that....a park. Surprisingly quiet for being in an urban area. Occasional city noise, but still a great place to have a quiet moment. We laid in the grass by the pond, I knit, he read...it was a good time. You need to go, just to say you've seen it! The topiary is truly amazing. Also, if you were curious what the original painting looks like, the shop has a large print over the fireplace. The bronze plaque at the front of the topiary just doesn't do the painting justice. read more

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What a surprise! When we came here to kill some time we certainly weren't expecting to see a topiary re-creation of Seurat's painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte". What an awesome opportunity to not only see the artwork transformed into a new, completely different medium, but also to be able to stroll right into the painting itself and pass among the silent alien topiary frenchmen frozen in an evergreen version of 1884. Wow. This park is also highly functional, with plenty of benches, tables, and paths. We played frisbee comfortably, while various others walked, worked, picniced, or meditated around us. read more

This little park is a little far from downtown but it's really cute. It's located near a hospital and a high school. It is smaller than I imaged. It has a little pond with sprinklers going off. Bushes cut to look like a family party at the park. Very well kept and there were landskeepers maintaining the area. I believe there is a gift shop, which I did not go. Benches to sit at almost every path. Butterflies and bizarre moths flying around. Lots of open space for kids to run around. Metered street parking available. read more

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After a lil free Sunday trip to the Columbus Art Museum, we walked a couple of blocks over to Topiary Park. What the heck! Walking around Topiary Park I honestly didn't even feel like I was still in Columbus. Although small, the park was very well kept and very pleasant. The shrubbery recreation of Seurat's painting is so weird but honestly just so incredibly awesome weird. The park is bordered by the public library and a really beautiful high school that I think is relatively new (newly renovated - it was originally the Ohio School for the Deaf). I'll be back - next time with a picnic blanket and a book. read more

Topiary Park - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I've wanted to see the Seurat-inspired topiary garden at the Blind and Deaf School ever since I moved to Columbus, but when I had time to spare, it never seemed to cross my mind. So, last Saturday, though it was cold and windy, I made a point of going. I have to admit that I was expecting something a little more spectacular. The forms were all there in larger-than-life size. Maybe it was because we're approaching winter, but the wires were showing in most all of the sculptures. The shrubbery people holding umbrellas were the most interesting, though they could have definitely used a little more green. Also, the shapes were more bulbous that I had in mind. I'd like to see them again in the summer when I assume they're being better maintained. I still enjoyed the experience, especially the pond. The pond is really more of a giant puddle, about ankle deep. The topiary sculptures carry over into the water where giant, colorful fish swim below the surface. There's a small fountain that shoots a sprig of water on one side, and there are tiny lilies that collect in groups here and there. I can see myself sitting nearby and reading on a summer day. Even if the topiary park didn't have the topiary garden, it would still be a nice place to go to relax. The entire expanse is held in by a waist high, black, wrought iron fence. There are small dips and hills in the terrain. There's plenty of room to run. I'm unsure whether dogs are permitted, but, if so, this would be an ideal spot. read more

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The main library, located a stone's throw away is purported to be purchasing the grounds and building of the previous deaf school. Given that the CML has been honored as the best in the nation for 2011/2012, it's sure to do amazing things with an already unique and beautiful place. It is a fantastic oasis so close to the heart of the hustle and bustle of down town. Immaculate, creative, and peaceful - it soothes a soul. read more

Oh hello, my FAVORITE park in Columbus! I LOVE the Topiary Park! First of all, I love the shrubbery designed to recreate Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grade Jatte." It is so cool to see how the landscaping has grown into the painting! It is truly remarkable and beautiful. I also love how quiet this park is, despite the fact that it is in the middle of downtown. When I went to law school nearby, I would often head to Topiary park on a break to enjoy a quiet packed lunch or even study notes for upcoming exams. Most recently, the Columbus Metropolitan Library (Main Branch) has even added an area that exits out directly to the park! Since the library is one of my other favorite places in Columbus, I am absolutely enthralled by the combination of the two! The library even hosts movie nights in the park for the whole fam! They take movies that are based on books and show one a month in the warmer weather! Check it out! If you get there on one of the rare occasions that the little park gift shop is open, I highly recommend stopping in! It is a quaint store filled with lots of lovely items involving the park and the artwork. Yay Topiary Park for existing and being within walking distance :D read more

Cute little free park .. woth plenty of metered parking. Worth the 1 dollar parking fee. we saw it on the internet and thought we would check it out. It's a very interestingly inturpritation of Seurat's painting. They don't start trimming the bush's till June so they will look a bit overgrown till then .. but it's an amazing combo of nature and art. read more

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This place is a 3-D real world version of the timeless Seurat painting. I'm sure only artists and folks with green thumbs could appreciate this but this is the only park based on a painting in the world. Not only based on the painting but a reproduction in 3 dimensions! I was uber impressed with how well interpreted the park was. I took my family for an Easter outing and it was the perfect backdrop for the kind of day We wanted to have. It's a great stop for the sight seer and a quick visit as the park is only 7 acres so it's pretty easy to walk through if you have limited time. A nice lil gem in the middle of the city. I just can't believe it took me so long to find it! Not so humbly submitted, King Michael C. read more

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The topiary is a small display in the middle of a small park. It's a cute small city park near downtown in a residential neighborhood. Street Parking was easy to find. The park is free and the topiary sculptures were lively depicting the French painting. It was relaxing to walk through the garden. The park was very clean and filled with families, couples walking, chatting and sitting in the grass. Side note: There are many things that could be done to this park to make it more appealing around the outside. read more

Topiary Park - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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As a not-so-young former idealist, I'm given to random grumblings about what Columbus could be, what Columbus SHOULD be, rather than accepting it, even praising it, for what it is. For example, for years I bemoaned the fact that the downtown area is sorely lacking in green spaces, and while that is still largely true, things are improving. The waterfront, Bicentennial Park, Scioto Mile and The Commons are prime examples of why you should be placing yourself in this area after work hours, but you would be remiss if you didn't also include the Topiary Park on Town Street, nestled just behind the Main Library (www.topiarypark.org). Never heard of it? Don't worry, a lot of Columbus natives haven't. For reasons that are beyond my comprehension, this quiet 7-acre piece of ground seems to escape public awareness and seems to exist solely for the patrons of the library, Ohio and Palace Theaters, the CMA and neighbors in the immediate vicinity. The gently winding paths are a delight to traverse, and the variety of flora is picturesque and very nearly isolates the park from the street noise from nearby I-71. The natural pond is a popular attraction for duck families, so you are likely to see quacking youngsters during the right time of year. But let's face it: what gives the park its fame was a fairly recent creation: in 1989, a Columbus Parks and Rec employee designed a living topiary representation of Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon" consisting of over 60 yew figures. It stands as a remarkable botanical creation, but to view it from the corresponding angle is an amazing sight to behold. So put away your cell phone and enjoy the scenic serenity that the Topiary Park has to offer. The visitor's center can provide some background, but if you're like me, you'll fall in love on face value alone. read more

Like most native Columbusians (totally made that up) you haven't been here yet, right? Well, I took my out-of-town family here, and was pleasantly surprised. The serene grounds and picturesque views make you forget you are in the middle of the city! Nestled between the Columbus Library's Main location and Washington Ave it lays relatively dormant in the middle of downtown. The few times I have been here I have noticed just a handful of people around. The grounds are relatively quiet. It would be great for a blanket picnic or afternoon nap! For those with a little more energy, a high flying game of frisbee would be perfect here! Oh, did I forget to mention the topiaries!? Seurat's famous painting comes to life in the form of greenerie. It is a bit Surreal (pun intended) to walk between the Hedge People and Animals. It is great fun figuring out what the shapes are and matching them to the painting. It was the best, watching my little nephew's eyes just about pop out of his head when he spied the Ginormous coy in the little pond! They could easily swallow a small dog. I highly recommend a visit, you wont be sorry! Plus it's free- so buy something in the gift shop to support it and the Ohio Deaf School! read more

Want to see a painting come alive? You're in luck because in downtown Columbus, you can find The Topiary Garden, located in the Old Deaf School Park on Town Road. Here lies a real-life re-creation of Georges Seurat's famous post-impressionist painting, "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." Think of it as if Edward Scissorhands got a hold of a bunch of hedge bushes and hacked away at them so they resembled the people and animals from the Seurat painting. it's a spectacular sight. It's truly as if you were sucked into the painting as you walk amongst the sculpted bushes. There is a photo posted of the painting for those who are unfamiliar so you can compare and contrast. It's best to see the bushes at their finest in spring, summer and early fall. I went there recently in November, however, and you can still see all of the figures pretty good. This place would be the perfect setting if you wanted to grab a canvas and acryllics and do your own painting. Or, if you just would like to sit and read or draw, it is a picturesque and peaceful place to do so. You can truly get inspired by strolling through this park. There is also a museum shop with restrooms, and items for sale such as garden books and other horticultural items. A tthe very least, definitely swing by for a few minutes and take a walk through a 3-D painting! read more

As a Columbus native, I've been to the topiary park many times over the years. During the summer, the topiaries look full and lush, shaped exactly like Georges Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte". During dry-spells or colder seasons, the topiaries don't quite fill out, often appearing thin/holey with the topiaries' wireframe structures visible underneath the hedges. The gardens are well-maintained, but the plants' well-being depends largely on Columbus's weather. The park itself is a nice urban space with a small pond, new benches, and some table areas. It'd be a nice place to have lunch, play a game of chess, or walk your dog on a sunny day. Maybe also a nice place to read after checking out a book from Columbus Public Library's main branch, which is adjacent to the park. I visited the topiary park this past weekend (July 2015) with my bf and thought the gardens looked wonderful. There were 3-4 other couples/families enjoying at the gardens as well, so the park was lively, but not overly crowded. Parking tip: Don't get suckered into using the metered parking adjacent to the park! There is free parking ~1 block away (ex. Town St.). There is also a rack of CoGo bikes at the topiary park if you use the shared bike service. read more

Went with my gf a few weeks back. When she first told me about the garden, it seemed quite exciting. We went towards dusk as she wanted to get good lighting for pictures. There was plenty of parking space around it, but the positives almost ended there for me. Overall, I was pretty disappointed in the garden. Perhaps I came at a bad time in the year, but it was super underwhelming. The sculptures well only half covered by foliage so that the metal framework was sticking out on all of them. The sculptures also all needed trimming. The garden seemed pretty unkept for a month +. It's spacious and there's tons of walking space though... read more

This park has some nice topiary sculptures modeled on a famous Seurat impressionist painting. It's a very pleasant and relaxing place.

I love this park! I'm lucky enough to work just a block away so a stroll through the park is a perfect way to spend my lunch break. You'll find other downtown workers, kids and dogs enjoying the atmosphere of the topiary garden. The park staff is friendly and always willing to share the latest happenings. With plenty of benches and a few picnic tables, it's a great place to brown bag it. This is definitely a hidden gem in downtown. read more

Topiary Park - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Beautiful hidden gem in Columbus. Simple and perfect place for a nice fall walk. The park is kept very clean and you definitely don't feel you're in downtown Columbus. Can't wait to visit in the spring! read more

The Topiary Garden is a unique place to visit in Columbus, basically a small park with shrubs trimmed into different shapes. The highlight is a re-creation of Seurat's famous painting with the really long name, you know the one? Yeah. They have that. It's a pretty place to walk around if the weather is nice, and maybe sit and have a snack or something. There is a store on site, but I have never been in. read more

7 acres of park and plenty of benches to sit at. Bring your lunch and have a picnic. Great spot for photos. The garden is stunning. I wish there was more acreage to it but it's so quaint and well-manicured it doesn't need much else. read more

Topiary Park - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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This is a pretty good place to take a nap, I guess. There was a lady snoozing in her underwear next to a shrub when I took my baby there today. There are also bushes that look like people and dogs and stuff. I have never seen a bush that looked like a dog before. Once you have seen something like that, you will never forget it. What was I talking about? There are many lily pads here. I saw no frogs though. Aren't they supposed to live on lily pads? Is that why we call houses "pads?" Are we all frogs? What if you looked behind you and you saw a frog-shaped bush? What would you do? I would probably cry or projectile vomit. Just bein honest. read more

Easy to get to from downtown. Nice walk in the city with cool topiary for your entertainment! Doesn't take long to get through. read more

Topiary Park - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I had a relaxing stroll through the Topiary Park earlier today. It was also my first visit. Too bad the visitor center isn't open in December. :-/ The pathways are nice, and they curve and wind about the park to make for a very pleasing walk. Established trees are abundant, and the numerous birds perched in them were quite loud. Not in a bad way, and I thought they brought some life to the park on this chilly winter day. Of course, I walked up the path to see the painting rendered in topiaries. Very neat! I know it's a small park, but I wish they would do more than just the one. There is room to have two or three life-sized topiaries based off of other works of art. Anyway, I'd like to visit again in the spring to see the trees and flowers in bloom. Otherwise, this is a breath of fresh air downtown. read more

WoW, beautiful park, and the designs of the trees from one of the famous paintings. The park is also a great place to walk, relax and enjoy a good time with the family and friends. You really need to at least go once ... read more

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I can't believe that I went most of my adult life without knowing that this place existed. I only found out about it when my mother suggested it as a site for one of my photography projects. Its a great place for this and seems like a little urban oasis. But the drawback is that it doesn't strike me as a place to sit and relax. Its more like an outdoor art gallery where you can walk around and admire the unique topiary designs that make you feel as if you're in a surreal painting! read more

Great place for you to go outside away from the tv! Perfect for place to play on your iPad or cell phone! But really the park has some really cool garden sculptures that are great for making inappropriate pictures of. For sure you need to check it out. read more

I love this place for two reasons: It is walkable from the CMA, so art lovers do not have to go far. Also, it is based off of a very famous painting, and I just think it is so cool to be able to "walk amongst" the painting! I unfortunately have not been here when the park is blooming, but I will return again. The last time I was here there were baby ducks juxtaposed with sleeping homeless on the benches. Just to be safe, bring a friend to enjoy your walk with you! read more

I love and appreciate the artistry of this gorgeous Park! read more

Topiary Park - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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This is a beautiful little park. Seems to be hidden from the general populace. The pond and topiary are lovely and you can tell someone is working hard to maintain them. Benches are positioned for optimal viewing of various areas around the park. It's a great place for a peaceful stroll. The surrounding neighborhood is wonderful to walk around too. We stopped to look at an interesting house - which turned out to be a little gallery, The Lyle Gallery, on the other side of the street - wound up being invited in - had some wine and great conversation with the owners. Friendly neighborhood - peaceful park. Perfect. read more

Visited this park, was expecting a bigger park and more figures but it was not so. And the trails around the park doesn't lead to the figures up close, you'll have to walk on the grass to go up close. Thirdly there are not a lot of descriptions regarding the topiaries, most of it was a guess game. The lake is also very small. If u r expecting a long walk, don't be too excited. Very short and sweet experience but was disappointed as I went with high expectations. Well u can plan a short visit to the place and then can go enjoy evening around downtown that's a high side to it. read more

Underwhelming. Drove all the way here expecting a larger park with more sculptures or at least more landscaping. I suppose that's my own fault. If you're in the area definitely stop by, but don't make a special trip. The sculptures were pretty cool and a nice variety of trees. There were people sleeping on benches which wasn't a great sight, but overall a nice park for a leisurely stroll, dog walking, or a picnic. read more

Contrary to popular reviews, there was no wow factor for me. This park was lackluster but I did have high expectations. Looking at photos, it seemed like it would have been a large park but it was pretty small and there weren't as many shrubbery that I thought there'd be. If you wanted to do a walk in this park, you'd be done in 10 min.. maybe 5 min if you jogged. I can't say the park isn't nice but I wouldn't drive more than 10 min to come back. I came to this place w a couple of friends and we chose this over Innis Woods to play some cards and enjoy the weather on a scenic landscape.. long story short, we wished we could've gone to Innis Woods. read more

If you've ever come across a multitude of runners while driving through around the Main Library in Downtown Columbus, then you've probably driven past The Topiary Park -- what a hidden gem indeed! Please put this real topiary park on your weekend activity list if you're into running, but know that's not the only activity this park offers. Small seats and even little picnic tables are available all year long, and the main feature of the topiary park is of course the famous painting from the Art Institute of Chicago -- how cool is that! Since the park is so close to the Main Library (thank you Andrew Carnegie!), there are also informal lectures that are conducted from time to time on a wide variety of subjects. You WILL recognize the famous French painting, and even imagine yourself in the painting! The location is especially enchanting during the evening, as the sun sets and creates different shadowing, and artistic subtleties -- again, the famous painting is the dominant theme. The area is also just far enough to be removed from the ever-growing skyline of downtown Columbus, distant enough so it feels like you've arrived somewhere else. There is also wonderfully restored buildings and preservation efforts in the immediate neighborhood -- thank you again for not destroying our city's history! When the runners are not in full force, it is one my favorite spots to the park's tranquility and educational opportunities, if the lectures are being presented. read more