Just outside Montgomery County, lies one of the most beloved and recognized gardens in the country. The not so secret grounds of Longwood Gardens has brought people from far and wide to revel in it’s enormity and serenity for over 60 years now. No matter what your age or gender, there is no shortage of things to do and see while visiting here. A stroll through the Gardens during the day reveals a horticultural masterpiece, filled with towering sculptures, magnificent fountains, and a mind blowing amount of organic life. However, their latest exhibit showcases the Gardens in an entirely new light, welcoming all members and visitors to appreciate a walk through the night.
Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s great display gardens, has commissioned UK light artist Bruce Munro to present a debut, garden-wide exhibition called “Light”, running from June 9-September 29. This is Munro’s first garden show in the US and it will showcase never-before-seen views of Longwood at night. Light will feature seven large-scale outdoor installations, two installations within Longwood’s grand 4-acre Conservatory, and a small collection of illuminated sculptures in Longwood’s historic Music Room.
Highlights of the Installation will include the Forest of Light, which invites guests to wander through a serene forest of 20,000 illuminated stems that took more than 2 months to arrange, and they are reminiscent of blooming flowers. The Meadow plays host to the Water Towers, a collection of 69 symmetric towers that create a glowing maze of light that changes hues to music. In Waterlilies in Bloom, Munro pays homage to Longwood’s iconic waterlily platters and sets his shimmering designs to float on the Large Lake. Nearby, the 6,000 stem installation Field of Light attracts visitors from afar.
Inside the Conservatory, there is a large open room called the Orangery, which is adorned with six grand Snowball Chandeliers suspended from the towering ceiling. Each chandelier is more than nine feet in diameter and formed by 127 perfectly uniform glass balls. Light Shower rains more than 1,600 drops of twinkling lights over the flooded Fern Floor.
Special Events for “Light”
- Light Nights are fun for the whole family, with outdoor concerts, crafts, and other family-friendly activiites.
- SmART Nights bring some of the region’s brightest minds to Longwood to discuss the science of light. Afterwards, share your own bright ideas with StorySlams facilitated by First Person Arts.
- Culinary DeLight Dinners serve up delicious four-course meals amidst beautiful views of the exhibit.
Lectures, workshops, and classes centered around every aspect of Light offer learning opportunities throughout the exhibit.
Each year Longwood presents many concerts and performances that are included with Gardens admission and Member benefits. Longwood also presents a few special events and performances—including Fireworks & Fountain shows that require an additional ticket. Visit the events section of our website to find special events and concerts, and to purchase tickets.
Download the Light App When You Get There
Amp up your experience by downloading our free Light app for Apple and Android. Access exclusive content, watch videos of the installation, listen to the artist’s inspirations, share your best photos, and more!
Tickets
Tickets are available online at tickets.longwoodgardens.org, in person at Central Ticketing, or by calling 610-388-1000 (additional fees apply for phone orders).
Timed admission tickets are required during Light: Installations by Bruce Munro (June 9, 2012-September 29, 2012) and A Longwood Christmas (November 22, 2012-January 6, 2013)
*Members can come as they wish Sunday–Friday throughout Light. On Saturday evenings after 4 pm, members require free reservations. Reservations can be made via: longwoodgardens.org or 610-388-1000.
Miles to Longwood:
Philadelphia, PA – 30
Wilmington, DE – 12
Valley Forge, PA – 28
Lancaster, PA – 43
To find directions using an internet directions website, please use the following address for Longwood Gardens:
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square , PA 19348
Contact
Phone: 610-388-1000
website: http://www.longwoodgardens.org/TheGardens_1_3_2.html
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Photos Courtesy of J.C. Sager
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