Longwood Gardens' Main Fountain Garden Reopens This May

The multi-year renovation project will debut May 27.

Following a two-year renovation, the Main Fountain Garden at Longwood Gardens will reopen May 27. The beloved five-acre display is a fixture for everything from Fourth of July celebrations to the Christmas spectacular. Designed by Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont, it includes over 1,700 fountain jets and streams, as well as hand-carved Italian limestone. The $90 million makeover brings the fountains into the 21st century.

“The revitalization of our iconic Main Fountain Garden is the largest project in Longwood’s history since the passing of our founder in 1954, and to share its return with our guests is incredibly exciting,” says Longwood president and CEO Paul B. Redman. 

It was also the largest project of its kind in the United States. New York and Washington, D.C., architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle led the design, with the goal of honoring du Pont’s original vision. A new grotto with cascading water has been installed, and the alleés have been expanded, featuring boxwoods.

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To celebrate its opening, Longwood will premiere “Summer of Spectacle,” featuring six illuminated Fireworks & Fountains shows, coordinated to music, starting May 28. There will also be tours of the renovation through Sept. 30.

“Reawakening the Main Fountain Garden is an exercise in creativity, thoughtfulness and responsibility,” says Redman. “It demands respect for how forward-looking the space was in its era and carrying that intent forward.”

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