New Hampshire’s wilderness is beautiful, but you probably don’t think of it as artistic. Usually we think of art museums as indoor, rainy day activities. But why not place the best man-made art outside, among the strikingly beautiful New Hampshire wilderness? That’s exactly what happens at Andres Institute of Art in Brookline.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook The Andres Institute of Art is not only beautiful, but it’s free! Visitors can walk past 74 sculptures scattered throughout 140 acres of wooded New Hampshire wilderness.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook The Institute is open every day from dawn until dusk.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook And year-round.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook The Andres Institute began when engineer Paul Andres (below right) purchased Big Bear Mountain in Brookline in 1996. In 1998 he founded the Institute with John Weidman, a sculptor who had been living in Brookline for many years.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook Each year sculptors from around the world participate in the Bridges and Connections sculpture symposium, adding more sculptures to the landscape on Big Bear Mountain.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook Sometimes, heavy equipment has to be called in to assist the sculptors.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook The results are truly stunning.

Andres Institute/facebook The natural beauty of the New Hampshire woods adds depth to the sculptures.

Andres Institute/facebook Which sometimes blend into their surroundings.

Andres Institute/facebook Sculptures like this one, entitled “Create Yourself,” are meant to inspire.

Andres Institute/facebook Be sure to look for natural beauty along the trails as well!

Andres Institute/facebook And definitely enjoy the view.

Andres Institute/facebook Happy hiking!

Have you been to this unique place in New Hampshire? Share your experiences in the comments.

Andres Institute of Art/facebook

The Andres Institute of Art is not only beautiful, but it’s free! Visitors can walk past 74 sculptures scattered throughout 140 acres of wooded New Hampshire wilderness.

The Institute is open every day from dawn until dusk.

And year-round.

The Andres Institute began when engineer Paul Andres (below right) purchased Big Bear Mountain in Brookline in 1996. In 1998 he founded the Institute with John Weidman, a sculptor who had been living in Brookline for many years.

Each year sculptors from around the world participate in the Bridges and Connections sculpture symposium, adding more sculptures to the landscape on Big Bear Mountain.

Sometimes, heavy equipment has to be called in to assist the sculptors.

The results are truly stunning.

Andres Institute/facebook

The natural beauty of the New Hampshire woods adds depth to the sculptures.

Which sometimes blend into their surroundings.

Sculptures like this one, entitled “Create Yourself,” are meant to inspire.

Be sure to look for natural beauty along the trails as well!

And definitely enjoy the view.

Happy hiking!

 

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