 Throughout history, gardens have reflected our vision of paradise. Using indoor gardens and striking photomurals, the Chicago Botanic Garden presents an extraordinary exhibit that brings alive the history of garden design. From the earliest gardens in ancient Mesopotamia, through the grandeur of European gardens, to present-day American designs, this innovative exhibit weaves together almost 4,000 years of history and personal vision to show how cultural values inspire great gardens.
The fragrance and color of living plants, the movement and sounds of water and music add a new dimension for presenting the pleasure, respite and enrichment of great gardens. Stroll through a Japanese garden, a Middle Eastern garden, a French chateau garden and more, discovering historic garden styles that span the ages and cultures of the world.
Award-winning English author and garden designer Penelope Hobhouse, best known as host of "The Art and Practice of Gardening" on HGTV, is guest curator of the exhibit.
A range of related programs include free tours given on weekends at 1 p.m.
"In Search of Paradise: Centuries of Great Garden Design" is exclusively sponsored by the Sara Lee Foundation.
Additional support has been provided by the National Endowment for the Art; the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; the Illinois Humanities Council; the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts; and the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.
|
