Meijer Gardens celebrates new Welcome Center with soft open The $115 million expansion project furthers the organization's mission of horticulture, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts. Author: 13 ON YOUR SIDE Staff Published: 7:40 AM EST January 11, 2021 Updated: 7:40 AM EST January 11, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park's new Welcome Center is finally opening to the public. There will be a soft opening of the 69,000 square-foot building at 9 a.m. on Monday. Meijer Gardens said the new Welcome Center enhances the arrival, admission and orientation experience for guests, and features Contemporary sculpture as well as horticultural elements throughout. The soft opening on Monday means that not all areas of the building will be open and accessible. Meijer Gardens said the Welcome Center won't fully open until fall of 2021, when a celebration and dedication is planned.