Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens combines spectacular garden design, horticulture, education, and the arts interplay to inspire and enlighten their guests.
One of the world’s great gardens, Longwood’s story is one of legacy, innovation, and stewardship. Their gardens are a living expression of all that their founder, Pierre S. du Pont, found inspiring, meaningful, and beautiful. From the intricate fountain systems to the meticulous gardens to the architectural grandeur, awe-inspiring discoveries await at every turn.
Recently, Longwood Gardens embarked on a $250 million, 17-acre expansion in what the Chester County tourist destination is calling its “most ambitious revitalization in a century.”
Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience will preserve and relocate some of the 1,100-acre site’s existing staple elements while adding multiple new facets, including a 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory housing Mediterranean-inspired gardens, a Bonsai Courtyard, and a public restaurant and private event space.
The project anticipates to debut to the public in fall 2024. Longwood’s Main and East conservatories will remain open throughout the expansion, and the destination will maintain its calendar of scheduled events and performances. The Kennett Square tourist attraction is frequented by more than 1.5 million visitors annually.
New York-based Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism is the lead designer on the project, working in collaboration with Reed Hilderbrand. Longwood Reimagined stems from a 2010 master plan by West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture in partnership with Weiss/Manfredi. Wilmington firm Bancroft Construction Co. are managing the project.
Other elements of the $250 million Longwood Reimagined project include construction of a new education and administration building with a state-of-the-art library and classrooms; renewal of the beloved Waterlily Court designed by Sir Peter Shepheard (1913-2002); and preservation of six historic Lord & Burnham glasshouses from the early 20th century, to be relocated at a later date and used for year-round garden displays.
The Chester County Chamber greatly appreciates Longwood Gardens commitment to our community and for their membership and involvement with the Chamber and our board.
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