Gilgal Sculpture Garden : info and guided tour

Introduction to Gilgal Sculpture Garden

Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a small sculpture garden located in Salt Lake City, in the residential neighborhood of Central City. Located at 749 E 500 S, it combines vegetation, engraved stones, and monumental works in a space open to the public. The site stands out for its unusual atmosphere, at once a neighborhood park and a singular artistic ensemble.

The garden was created around sculptures made by Thomas Battersby Child Jr., who composed this space as a personal work of art. Visitors can discover carved stone blocks bearing verses, symbols, and abstract forms, as well as elements in carved granite. The whole reflects a very distinctive artistic approach, rooted in the local history of Salt Lake City.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden is best known for its symbolic pieces and its unexpected presence in the middle of the city. Among the most remarkable elements are a sphinx sculpture bearing the face of Joseph Smith and several engraved stones featuring texts or geometric patterns. Together they create a short but rich route, where each work draws the eye.

This place appeals as much to art lovers as to visitors curious to discover a lesser-known side of Salt Lake City’s urban heritage. Its intimate, almost hidden character contrasts with the city’s major tourist sites. It is precisely this uniqueness, between garden, park, and artistic installation, that has made it famous.

Discover Salt Lake City with a private guide

A private guide can help you better understand the meaning of the sculptures, the context in which they were created, and the garden’s unique place in Salt Lake City. This guided interpretation also makes it easier to spot the symbolic and architectural details that can sometimes be hard to notice on your own during the visit.