Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden

Fountain · Grant Park-Hollywood

Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden

Fountain · Grant Park-Hollywood

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Grant Park Path, Portland, OR 97212

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Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by cait7911 (Atlas Obscura User)
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Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by mike krzeszak (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by Jason Wilson (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by mike krzeszak (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by brx0 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by cait7911 (Atlas Obscura User)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by dougdb (Atlas Obscura User)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by Orange Suede Sofa (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by cait7911 (Atlas Obscura User)
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden by null

Highlights

Bronze statues of Ramona, Henry & Ribsy in Grant Park  

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Grant Park Path, Portland, OR 97212 Get directions

portlandoregon.gov

Information

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Grant Park Path, Portland, OR 97212 Get directions

+1 503 823 7529
portlandoregon.gov

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 20, 2025

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9 Favorite Children's Book Characters, Immortalized in Bronze

"On the west side of Portland’s Grant Park, three statues depict a boy, his dog, and a bubbly little girl splashing in a puddle. These are Henry Huggins, Ribsy, and Ramona Quimby, all characters dreamed up by the beloved author Beverly Cleary. One of the most popular children’s authors, Cleary is known for her relatable characters and their adventures featured in books like Ramona the Pest and Henry and Beezus. Cleary grew up in the Hollywood neighborhood of Portland and used this setting and her own childhood experiences in her novels. The fictional Quimby family live on the very real Klickitat Street, only a few blocks from Grant Park, where Cleary played as a child. Walking tours of the neighborhood point out the places that made it into Cleary’s novels, like the parking lot where Ramona got her boots stuck in the mud or the lawn where Henry dug for night crawlers.  Even though she no longer resides in Portland, the city has embraced the writer as its own, immortalizing her most popular characters in the Grant Park statues. The statues are actually part of a small fountain that, when turned on, makes it appear as though the kids and Ribsy are splashing in a puddle. Surrounding the statues are granite tiles engraved with titles of Cleary’s books set in Portland." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/childrens-book-characters-bronze-states
View Postcard for Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden

Cee Gee

Google
My friend and I stumbled across these sculptures one afternoon while driving around Portland. We stopped at the park, and there they were! I loved the Ramona book by Beverly Cleary and enjoyed visiting with Ramona, Henry, and Ribsy. But where was Beezus? I missed seeing her here. This was a splash pad/fountain when my friend and I visited, which was fun. We splashed around in the water like kids and had a grand time.

Jeremy Terhune (SailormanJerm)

Google
I was visiting Portland with my family and happened across this sculpture garden. My daughter has been reading Beverly Cleary books and we had one with us. This was a lovely little surprise for a young reader!

Twila Kawai

Google
Not much of a garden. There were 3 sculptures: Ramona, Harry, & Ribsy. Surely missing Beezus! The surrounding blocks listed titles of Beverly Cleary's books and information on each sculpture, although it is hard to read because of aging and normal wear and tear. The splash pad was off that day. Roadside parking was hard to find on a Saturday. I recommend trying to go on a less busy day.

Amy K

Google
Only three sculptures and they're quite small, but I enjoyed the book quote plaques. The park is lovely.

Serena Davis

Google
So sweet, it's losing its luster, if you want to see these statues I recommend going sooner then later.

Shay Bachelder

Google
Kids loved this little section of Grant Park and the playground right next to it. Fountains were on and they enjoyed splashing and cooling off on a 90+ degree day in Portland.

Rob

Google
A nice park but thought there would be more sculptures. Probably best to see in spring summer when the fountains are on.

Bryan Uhler

Google
It was super interesting to see the dates involved. Parking was a little challenging.
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Alden C.

Yelp
Yes, Beverly Cleary has a sculpture garden in Portland. The beloved author of the Ramona books and the Mouse and the Motorcycle books was indeed from Portland. The sculpture garden is within a larger park, Grant Park. There aren't that many statues here commemorating all of her beloved characters but you will see statues of Ramona, Henry and Ribsi here but the Mouse and the Motorcycle gets completely skipped. Still a loving contribution to the author and a local celebrity for the city. Since this garden doesn't contain a whole lot of content you don't need to factor in a whole lot of time to see it if that is all you are planning to do at Grant Park. You wouldn't even need to plan half an hour but more closer to fifteen minutes.
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Kim G.

Yelp
Having read many of Beverly Cleary's books as a child, it was a twist of fate to move from NJ to Portland and buy a house next to the Beverly Cleary School and across from the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden. Located in Grant Park on the NE 33rd Street side by the children's playground, there are three bronze sculptures of favorite characters, complete with a water sprinkler area which is no longer spraying water during COVID-19. Ramona Quimby (her adventures are based on Beverly Cleary's own childhood antics) and Henry Higgens are there, along with Henry's dog, Ribsy. Since Beverly Cleary grew up in this neighborhood and the books were based in Portland, it's the perfect spot for this sculpture garden, a lasting legacy to Beverly and the characters she brought to life for so many! Its not an attraction I would go out of my way to see - it's a tiny part of the playground - but since I lived across the street for 16 years, walked the park daily and swam at Grant pool, I've passed it hundreds of times. I've often taken a rest on the bench admiring these sculptures that conjure up lots of childhood memories and my love of reading.
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Jasmine A.

Yelp
I've always loved reading, and as a child, I read Beverly Cleary's books several times over. So when I found out that there was a Beverly Cleary sculpture garden, I immediately put it on my list of attractions to see. The sculptures are in Grant Park, and there are three bronze sculptures which are part of a children's water park -- Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Henry's dog Ribsy. The sculptures were lovely, but it was a bit disappointing that there were only three. However, I still enjoyed the sculptures, and I learned that Beverly Cleary grew up in the neighbourhood near the park and that the Ramona books were based in Portland (it's been decades since I've read them!). Not a place I'd go out of my way to see, but if you're a fan of Beverly Cleary, it's a fun attraction. [Yelp collections: West Coast 2018; Public Art]
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Meg T.

Yelp
I was a huge Beverly Cleary reader when I was a young girl. I even read her memoir (which is absolutely worth picking up) later in life when I hit my 20's. It was such a joy to be reminded of those wonderful reading memories and to come to her hometown. I'm bummed I originally didn't know this garden was here on our first trip, because it wasn't in any of the must-see Yelp lists, but we made during our second trip and I'm so glad the weather held up for a picture! Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden, you're definitely a Must-See for me!
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Andi F.

Yelp
I don't know about you, but I look back in fondness over memories of reading Beverly Cleary's books as a child. I have reread some of them as an adult, but I just can't get over how much I really loved them. I also know that some of the streets close in SE Portland are named after characters in her books. What I never knew in my 13+ years living in Portland, now coming back after a break, was that there were these sculptures in Grant Park. How wonderful! You can actually come and visit your friends! I loved getting to hold Ramona's hand! My childhood best friend in an actual physical form. Thank you Portland, and thank you Sculpture Garden in a lovely park. You made this girl very happy and gave me a walk down memory lane.
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Rinky N.

Yelp
I am the number one fan of Ramona Quimby and Beverly Cleary. We named our late great Tabby girl after her. I grew up reading about Ramona, a spunky kid who always seemed to get into trouble. Beverly Cleary understands real kids and I love her for that. The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden was dedicated in October 1995 after a 4 year fund raising efforts by teachers, librarians and members of the community. Three statues of Ramona, Henry and Ribsy were unveiled. Beverly Cleary spoke about growing up in the neighborhood and shared her memories of Grant Park and Grant High School in the 1930's. In the summer months there are fountains that dance around the sculptures. There are plaques surrounding the statues with all of Beverly Cleary's books and dates. I HAD to come to the sculpture garden again and give Ramona a huge and long hug. Reading about her when I was growing up and re-reading her books as an adult has enriched my life at least a thousand times. See my photos

Naz N.

Yelp
If you grew up in the 80s Beverly Cleary made a huge impact on your life. When I planned out my trip to Portland and discovered this little park I knew it had to be on my list. Tucked away on the side of Grant Park, this sculpture garden is a hidden treasure. You can park in the street along the parameter of the park If you ever venture to Portland you must pay this park a visit.
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Michael E.

Yelp
Only three statues. Not recommended for people who are not Beverly Cleary fans. Did not really impress my wife who I though would appreciate this.
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Kathy F.

Yelp
I grew up on Ramona so it was awesome to see these statues, even if it was only three. I mean come on, they even had Ribsy! It being a beautiful sunshiny day, the park itself was so pretty with the changing leaves and green grass. Very busy with people enjoying the day. Thank you for honoring Beverly Clearly and her inspired neighborhood!
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Michelle H.

Yelp
Grant Park is my neighborhood park, and I think it is one of the prettiest, most well-maintained parks in Portland. We bring our two dogs here regularly on walks. The first year or so after moving to Alameda, we had no idea the sculpure garden even existed, as we used to venture in mainly from the residential area on the North side of the park. One day, we took the dogs around the whole park, and I was thrilled to discover the Beverly Clearly sculpture garden along 33rd Ave. I grew up reading Beverly Clearly books, and when we moved to Alameda, I was aware that we were moving to the same neighborhood that Beverly Cleary grew up in, as well as the setting for her Ramona books. If you grew up reading and loving the Ramona books, you'll love the sculpture garden...
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Stepha G.

Yelp
The pilgrimage to The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden at Grant Park did not disappoint, but I did pause to stare. Seeing her well-honed characters of Henry and Ribsy (Henry's dog) and Ramona captured in bronze in Grant Park in one of the neighborhoods of her childhood catalyzed deep-seated memories of reading her work. After being accustomed to seeing all of them flat on the page of a well-used, public library book, then bronze hard in 3 dimensions did involve a good deal of accomodation. To see them all in bronze like that...frozen in motion...In my imagination I viewed them as active characters. Many of us are fans of Beverly Cleary, and there is nothing that can be compared to that discovery moment of seeing under "C" that there are good books to read and remember. To learn more about this amazing woman who never received a literary rejection notice and is still working at 95, use beverlycleary.com

Heidi M.

Yelp
I have always been a fan of Beverly Cleary, reading and loving every Ramona Quimby book back in my elementary school years. When I found out about this place, I just had to pay a visit. It doesn't draw a crowd, but that is fine with me. The statues just take up a small space in Grant Park. My daughter (also a Ramona fan) and I enjoyed taking selfies with our childhood hero and petting Ribsy.
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Brian M.

Yelp
Grant Park has a lot going for it. A good kid play area with new swings. The Beverly Cleary Sculpture becomes a water feature for kids to play in on hot days. There is a wading pool, but the city is in the progress of changing all of them since 2010 - so alas it does not work. On the far side of the park is a large dog area for people who want to avoid the children. The park is also next to Grant High School. This provides access to tennis courts, a swimming pool in the summer, and a nice track for running. There are fields for various sporting events too. The only downside of the park is that SE 33rd Ave is fairly busy, and happens to be on the same side as the children's area. And although all the kid's structures are far from the road - it is something to keep an awareness of.
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
Grew up loving every Beverly Cleary book I could get my hands on, and as an adult I loved her two autobiographies- and loved that she wrote what she knew. Literary pilgrimages are my favorite- so although my two little ones didn't get the significance- it was a great memory of our trip to Portland. Great quick stop, amazing playground in Grant Park- and we loved the statues. Want to go home and re-read all her books!!
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Amy M.

Yelp
If you read the Ramona books as a kid, you'll be delighted to find this sweet little sculpture garden hiding in North Portland. A delightful landmark at Grant Park, which also boasts bathrooms, trails, street parking and benches. If it's raining bring an umbrella, because this sits out in the park, and isn't covered, but it's nice to see this little oasis of delight.