The Milton Keynes Rose located in our central city park Campbell Park, is a public space designed for commemoration, celebration and contemplation. Developed in partnership by The Parks Trust and the Cenotaph Trust, with support from Milton Keynes Council, the Milton Keynes Rose was created as a central civic space to host events significance and occasions of remembrance.
Created by internationally renowned artist Gordon Young in 2014, the Milton Keynes Rose is an open-air circle with markings based on the mathematical beauty of a flower. Upon installation 106 granite pillars of varying height were mounted in positions to create the art piece. 68 pillars have been engraved with dedications, leaving 38 for future inscriptions.
Inscriptions so far include dedications for important dates in Milton Keynes’ history including; 23 January 1967, when MK was designated as a New Town, 31 December 1958 when Aston Martin Lagonda based in Newport Pagnell first registered the first DB4 and 5 July 1953, the date when the first tea bag produced in the UK at Tetley’s factory in Bletchley.
To see the inscriptions for pillars dedicated so far, visit the MK Rose website.
The Milton Keynes Rose can be found at the top of the park at What3Words location clustered.emeralds.balancing.
The original vision for Campbell Park was for it to be the cultural heart of the city, with sculptures sited in the park alongside art installations, performances and temporary shows. Today you can see thirteen pieces of public art within the park.
Residing in the heart of Milton Keynes, this Grade II listed landscape connects the city centre to the linear park network. As well as public art, visitors can discover water features, the Grand Union Canal, a cricket pitch and an amphitheatre.