Calder Gardens on the Parkway sets official opening date.

Calder Gardens, a highly anticipated sculpture park dedicated to renowned artist Alexander Calder, is set to open to the public on September 21, as announced by officials earlier this week. This new cultural attraction represents the first significant addition to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway since the Barnes Foundation relocated in 2012, aiming to enrich the artistic landscape of this iconic Philadelphia area.

Leaders of the project have emphasized that Calder Gardens is envisioned not merely as a museum but as a multifaceted space for art, culture, environmental awareness, and personal reflection. The park’s architectural design is the work of the acclaimed firm Herzog & de Meuron, complemented by lush landscaping curated by celebrated horticulturist Piet Oudolf. Visitors can expect a dynamically curated selection of artwork sourced from the Calder Foundation, although a finalized list of pieces for the opening has yet to be disclosed.

Calder, who passed away in 1976 at the age of 78, was a pioneering sculptor celebrated for his innovative mobiles and diverse body of work. His legacy is supported by a rich family history of artistic contributions to Philadelphia, creating a connection among three generations of the Calder family. The patriarch, Alexander Milne Calder, was responsible for the sculpture adorning the iconic Philadelphia City Hall, while his son, Alexander Stirling Calder, crafted the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle. The grandson, Alexander Calder, is known for the iconic mobile titled Ghost, which is prominently displayed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Great Stair Hall.

As of early Tuesday morning, construction activity was still evident on the park’s site, which occupies a wedge of land between the Parkway and the Vine Street Expressway. Workers were observed pouring concrete for the caissons and beginning the crucial landscaping phase.

In January, Juana Berrio was appointed as the senior director of programs for Calder Gardens, tasked with overseeing a wide range of initiatives that extend beyond traditional art exhibitions. The park is committed to incorporating wellness practices, environmental themes, and fostering a deeper understanding of nature, positioning Calder Gardens as a place for introspection and appreciation of the arts.

Memberships for Calder Gardens will start at an annual fee of , which includes unlimited free access not only to the park but also to its operational partner, the Barnes Foundation. For those opting for individual admission, tickets will cost for adults, for seniors, for teenagers aged 13 to 18, and free entry for children 12 years and younger.

For further information about Calder Gardens, visitors can explore more at caldergardens.org.