PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The long-awaited Calder Gardens is ready for exploration.
“This is a gift for the city of Philadelphia,” says Juana Berrío, the Marsha Perelman Senior Director of Programs for Calder Gardens.
“It’s just phenomenal,” says Alexander S. C. Rower, President of the Calder Foundation.
It’s a two-part destination, with a gallery and gardens that invite you to connect with yourself through art and nature.
“The gardens were made by Piet Oudolf,” says Rower. “Incredible Dutch landscape designer who creates gardens that are always evolving.”
“And the journey of introspection starts from the moment that you walk into the gardens, and you notice how your senses are activated,” says Berrío.
The Barnes Foundation is the operational partner, while the Calder Foundation provided the curatorial vision for the indoor gallery that features works by Alexander Calder.
“Calder was my grandfather,” says Rower.
One of the things that makes Calder so unique, Rower says, is that he “moved into industrial materials.”
“Nobody used steel plates before Calder to make sculpture,” he says.
The Parkway is home to three generations of Calders’ work – from the statue of William Penn atop City Hall, to the Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Circle, and now Calder Gardens.
“My grandfather thought that art should enrich our lives,” says Rower. “It should elevate us just a little bit.”
There are mobiles and stabiles on view, some never before seen in the U.S.
“They’re really supposed to be open for interpretation,” he says. “The idea is that you’ll come here, and you’ll be with his work, and you’ll have your own experience.”
The outside of the building literally reflects the natural world.
“There are seven sections,” says Berrío.
“There’s the Woodland Garden,” says Rower. “And then it turns into this open landscape of grasses.”
The Sunken Garden and Vestige Garden contain sculptures that can be viewed from inside and out.
“The notion of time is really important,” says Berrío. “So we’re embracing that notion of the ever-changing qualities of life.”
There will be programming to further activate the space, such as sonic experiences and collective singing.
“This is a chance to bring people together,” says Rower.
“Have a moment of introspection, or just of enjoyment, with all the elements that are here,” says Berrío.
Calder Gardens opens to the public on Sunday, September 21. The gardens are free to explore, while tickets to the gallery are available now.
For more information:
Calder Gardens | Art and Nature in Philadelphia
Link to Tickets
Calder Gardens
2100 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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