Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Public park in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilson featuring 30 massive, vibrant, wind-driven whirligigs made from found materials by Vollis Simpson.

These whirligigs are officially recognized as North Carolina's State Folk Art. Imagine a place where vibrant color, dynamic motion, and rhythmic sound dazzle the senses, a public park and outdoor museum where local community and international visitors alike can gather around the iconic, monumental, wind-powered sculptures of world-renowned artist and engineer Vollis Simpson. A one-of-a-kind art pa

rk in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilson, NC, NOW OPEN, provides fascinating artistic, educational, and recreational opportunities at the intersection of art and science.

Have you all ever seen these whirligigs?Vollis was commissioned to create four whirligigs for the 1996 Summer Olympics i...
09/05/2026

Have you all ever seen these whirligigs?

Vollis was commissioned to create four whirligigs for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. These whirligigs are located in the Folk Art Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

If you ever travel to Atlanta, make sure to check out all four of Vollis' whirligigs while you are there!

Are y’all ready for another game?This time try to find the horse. If you found it, comment “🐴”
09/01/2026

Are y’all ready for another game?

This time try to find the horse. If you found it, comment “🐴”

08/29/2026

We chatted with one of our conservators, Joe Justice, about what he is fixing on Reflector Box. He let us know what he was doing, the materials he was replacing, and how long it has taken him to replace them.

Vollis Simspon also worked with recycled materials. He saved and collected parts from his businesses over the years. Now...
08/29/2026

Vollis Simspon also worked with recycled materials. He saved and collected parts from his businesses over the years. Now many of those parts can be seen spinning in the sky above Downtown Wilson, NC.

Recycled objects make for great art materials! You can find sculpture parks all over the world that utilize things like scrap metal, tires, and repurposed glass. Take a look!
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/sculptures-made-from-recycled-materials

This week we are highlighting Mimi Gredy! She produced the documentary about Vollis Simpson and the creation of the whir...
08/28/2026

This week we are highlighting Mimi Gredy!

She produced the documentary about Vollis Simpson and the creation of the whirligig park.This documentary is called “Changes in the Wind.”

Mimi Gredy- Producer
Bob Gredy- Mimi’s Brother

You can watch this documentary for free on pbs.org.
https://www.pbs.org/video/changes-in-the-wind-vb4rny/

We had the great pleasure to be mentioned in this month’s “Our State” magazine. If you have time, go check it out 📕 👓!
08/26/2026

We had the great pleasure to be mentioned in this month’s “Our State” magazine. If you have time, go check it out 📕 👓!

Such a cool story, go check out Vollis' sculpture at the NCMA.
08/25/2026

Such a cool story, go check out Vollis' sculpture at the NCMA.

Our nonprofit staff and part-time conservationists work hard to keep the whirligigs going. We appreciate that our effort...
08/25/2026

Our nonprofit staff and part-time conservationists work hard to keep the whirligigs going. We appreciate that our efforts don’t go unnoticed 💛

&m

Hey y’all this is our last craft Saturday for the summer 🥹☀️We’ll be making butterflies out of all the materials we’ve c...
08/19/2026

Hey y’all this is our last craft Saturday for the summer 🥹☀️

We’ll be making butterflies out of all the materials we’ve collected from our past craft Saturdays.
You don’t want to miss.
&museum

08/18/2026

Have you guys been by our constructing table🔨🤩?

Not only do kids enjoy their time at the museum, but it gets their creativity flowing!
&museum

Address

301 Goldsboro Street S
Wilson, NC
27893

Opening Hours

Monday 5am - 12am
Tuesday 5am - 12am
Wednesday 5am - 12am
Thursday 5am - 12am
Friday 5am - 12am
Saturday 5am - 12am
Sunday 5am - 12am

Telephone

+12526741352

Website

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