Newfields art and nature museum, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., broke ground in mid-November on a $10 million flower and vegetable garden project set to open in late 2026 at the museum’s Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse.
RAS Landscape Architects worked on the design, according to a news release from Newfields, paying homage to its original use on the Oldfields Estate, also known as Lilly House and Gardens. Both the Landon and Lilly families, previous Oldfields proprietors, dined and entertained with the flowers and vegetables grown there when they lived on the grounds.
Construction, in partnership with Shiel Sexton, will restore part of the original estate, while reimagining nearby areas to enhance the garden experience for visitors.
When completed in late 2026, the greenspace will include a flexible-use pavilion that will expand capacity for educational and wellness programs, according to the news release. It also will be home to a culinary hub that will utilize produce from the garden for guests and support culinary programs for seasonal events such as Spring Blooms, Winterlights and Harvest Nights.
The garden will have accessible pathways and restrooms, an elevated viewing area, grotto, reflection pools and four-season plant displays.
“This enormous undertaking will transform an overlooked part of The Garden into a lively hub for guests to connect, learn and be inspired,” stated Le Monte Booker, Newfields president and CEO. “I am so very grateful to the many donors who generously supported this endeavor and look forward to the vibrant role the Flower & Vegetable Garden will play for Newfields and the Indianapolis community for generations to come.”
The project cost of $10 million is supported by donors and the Newfields endowment. To learn more, visit discovernewfields.org/current-projects.
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