In 2019, The Ann & Monroe Carell Foundation supported a major improvement project and established an endowment to ensure the preservation and enjoyment of The Carell Trail at Cheekwood. New features as a result of the improvement project include an upgraded entrance, updated wayfinding and signage, and enhanced horticulture. Lighting has been added to the Hickory Loop, which is now fully paved, making this portion of The Carell Trail accessible for all — even after dusk. All sculptures have been restored, and visitors can more easily access the James Turrell’s Skyspace by way of the new Susan & Luke Simons Blue Pesher Promenade.
The Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail was established in 1999 through the generosity of Ann and Monroe Carell Jr., and features ten works on a 1.5-mile woodland path — a setting not commonly found at museums or sculpture parks in the United States. While it was modeled after English venues for outdoor sculpture, like the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, this trail exhibit works that respond to Cheekwood’s distinctive natural setting. The Carell Trail features a diverse range of sculptures, created by artists from Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These works examine the relationship between art and nature in their own distinct way, creating beautiful, thoughtful dialogues with the surrounding landscape.
Sculptures
Jenny Holzer
Survival Series: In a Dream You Saw a Way… | 1997
Frank Fleming
Gathering of Animals | 1997-98
Siah Armajani
The Glass Bridge for Nashville | 2003
Doug Hollis
High-back Windharp Chairs | 1987
Tom Czarnopys
Girdled Figure | 1989 (cast 1997)
Sophie Ryder
Crawling Lady Hare | 1997
Alicja Kwade
Pars pro Toto | 2020
Virginia Overton
Untitled (4×8 view) | 2022
Ian Hamilton Finlay
The Present Order (in Italian) | 1988
Elizabeth Turk
Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Golden-winged Warbler, and King Rail, 2023
Ulrich Rückriem
Untitled | 1993
John T. Scott
Tree Poem | 1998
James Turrell
Blue Pesher | 1997-99
Eric Orr
Cheekwood Prime Matter | 1997-98
George Rickey
One Line Horizontal Floating | 1994
Fletcher Benton
Folded Circle/Ring | 1998
Guy Dill
Mohammed’s Circle (also known as M Circle) | 1996
Jaume Plensa
Silent Music II | 2013
Guidelines
In order to preserve Cheekwood’s collection for future generations, touching and climbing on all outdoor sculpture is prohibited.
The Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail is a wooded landscape with hills. The Hickory Loop is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The Cedar Loop is mulched and has uneven terrain. Please use caution and stay on the designated paths. For emergency assistance, call 615-354-6386.
The information about the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail and the outdoor sculptures on view at Cheekwood can be accessed by using your smart phone’s camera to scan the QR code on the sign near each work.
Visitors are welcome to take personal photographs of outdoor sculpture, unless otherwise noted. Share your photos on social media using #CheekwoodSculpture!