Nation’s Only Artist-Designed 18-Hole Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course Opens at Workhouse Arts Center
Workhouse Arts Center – Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course
Jordan Wright
June 18, 2025
Special to The Zebra
Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony of Workhouse Arts Center – Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
The 55-acre Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA was once a vast former prison where inmates made the bricks that built the prison and raised their own food from farm animals and vegetable gardens. Built in the early 1900’s, in 2008 the classically designed brick complex was miraculously transformed into an arts destination to include the Lucy Burns Museum named for one of the suffragists imprisoned there in 1917. The expansive campus now houses a community theater, resident artist studios, gallery exhibitions, arts education programming, live performances, and an events venue.
Tribute to Banksy (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
Tribute to the art of Anime (Photo/Jordan Wright)
This month the Arts Center revealed the nation’s first artist-designed mini-golf course merging art history and creativity to a playful interactive experience. Each unique hole is cleverly designed to pay tribute to an iconic artist along with signage to teach players about the artist’s life and legacy while playing a whimsical outdoor course geared to all ages.
Tribute to Michael Angelo (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
Tribute to Piet Mondrian (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
Built by a dedicated team of local artists, designers, writers, and craftsmen who worked over several months to bring each hole to life using wood, paint, sculpture and storytelling, it’s believed to be the only art history-themed golf course in the country. Players can swing their putters through eighteen challenging holes constructed and painted on site. Cubism, Impressionism, Classicism, Guerilla Art, Anime and Pop Art are represented through recognizable artists’ paintings including Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, Keith Haring, Michelangelo, Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Banksy, Piet Mondrian to name a few. There’s even a castle to play through and you can putt through Van Gogh’s ear too!
Tribute to Roy Lichtenstein (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
Tribute to Salvador Dali (Photo courtesy of Masterpiece Mini-Golf)
The art-inspired experience is designed entirely by Workhouse Resident Artist Tim Grant who is known for his public mural work across Fairfax County RECenters. His background in studio arts and art history helped shape the educational and creative foundation of this one-of-a-kind attraction. “I’ve always believed art should be both immersive and accessible,” said Grant. “This project gave us the chance to honor some of the greatest artists in history, while creating something that invites families, students, and the community to learn and play together. It’s education by way of joyful experience.” Assisting Grant in this fun-filled project were artists and carpenters from the local community – Phil Charlwood – Technical Design and Carpentry; Mia Klavon – Artist and Carpenter; Gary Spellman – Artist and Carpenter; and Tom Deevy – Carpenter.
Tim Grant – Designer of the new Workhouse Arts Center Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course. (Photo/Jordan Wright)
“This is hands-down one of the most innovative projects we’ve ever launched at the Workhouse,” said Keith Gordon, President & CEO of the Workhouse Arts Center. “Masterpiece Mini-Golf is a perfect reflection of what the Workhouse is all about – creative exploration, community engagement, and accessible arts education for all ages. It’s smart, it’s fun, and it’s totally unique.”
While visiting be sure to visit Bunnyman Brewing. The onsite micro-brewery features an 18-tap self-pour system, breakfast items, baked goods, lunch and dinner in this popular spot which features both indoor and outdoor seating in a park-like setting.
The Masterpiece Mini-Golf Course is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 6pm, and Sunday, 11am – 5pm and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information visit www.workhousearts.org/masterpiece-mini-golf