Small Lake – Field of Light at Longwood Gardens
Recently one of our Facebook Fans posted on our page about her concern the peace and serenity of Longwood would be lost as we continue to become more commercial. I find the commercialism comment interesting, because clearly there is a perception among some that our programming is more about the financial bottom line rather than our mission.
Our vision for Longwood is to be a great garden of the world. But what does it mean to be a great garden? We are continually exploring and discussing this concept. For Longwood, great gardens are defined by timeless beauty and an ability to engage all of the senses.
We are excited to present this summer the first major exhibition of British light artist Bruce Munro. Some may view this as a step toward commercialism, but frankly, it’s quite the opposite. The very reason that we would even consider to present something so unexpected at Longwood is to further fulfill our vision to be a great garden of the world. Munro’s imaginative lighting designs will provide a new lens from which to view and explore what defines a great garden.
Every year we present our holiday light display, which everyone loves, but holiday lights are truly about the spirit of the season. They are beautiful, fun, and colorful. Munro’s work at Longwood is softer and far more sublime because there is no heaviness of the hand. Bruce’s illuminations are neither flora nor fauna in representation, but seem to me at least, to be a bridge between the two in our Gardens where they appear to have naturally existed forever.
The commercialization of arts and culture is an on-going debate and topic of conversation inside and outside of the profession. I can recall years ago when it was controversial for gardens like Longwood to have a restaurant or even a gift shop. This is the very reason why our restaurant is tucked deeply away from the Gardens. The thought of the time was to keep food service out of sight and out of mind. Today, we couldn’t imagine being without a dining facility, and having it more front and center would be preferable.
This past holiday season we implemented new timed ticketing practices and we will be doing the same for the Light display this summer. The very reason we made the difficult decision to have timed ticketing was to control crowds and ensure that the Longwood experience was of the highest quality possible.
Our philosophy and promise at Longwood is that we aren’t just selling tickets, but we are providing an experience that is a world apart from all others. The Longwood experience has evolved over time and is shaped by the legacy of our founder, P.S. du Pont. While excellence in horticulture has always been the primary aim of the place, Longwood was designed to entertain, educate, and immerse people into a beautiful living theater.
Commercialization is far from our interests at Longwood. The Longwood experience is authentic and cannot be replicated any other place in the world. I hope you will come to Longwood this summer to see our Gardens in a new light.
I, for one, can’t wait to see the display and love everything at Longwood. Things should change regularly just as they do in nature. I look forward to going there every month to see what beautiful displays you’ve come up with!
I agree, there is so much more to a beautiful garden than just flowers in bloom. To be internationally renowned one has to keep changing and moving forward. Munro’s exhibition is going to be stunning.
There is NOTHING Commercial about the new evening light show at Longwood Gardens. You want peace and serenity, that’s is exactly what this light show is all about. I went to the members preview on Thursday evening and have never experienced such a spirit of peaceful serenity among the guests as well as the show of lights itself. As you walk thru the displays, there is a beautiful hush of appreciation for how it effects you mentally, physically and spiritually.
When walking thru the huge field/meadow of lights that does on it seems for miles thru the woods, every vista takes on a new feeling of being intouch with nature, creation. It was so quiet you can hear the quiet. I am thankful, very thankful for these new approaches to expand Longwood Gardens programing as it will interest and bring in a whole new generation of those who can appreciate what is offered after those of use who are older are gone from this earth..
Also, I am very very thank ful for the music series that is ongoing, especially the restoration of the magnificent pipe organ in the Ballroom and the beautiful concerts that have so far taken place. This shows me that the Longwood managment really does care about those of use who frequent the grounds and facilities. Everything they are doing is bringing new heights of interest and appreciation to the plantings that surround the visitors. The social benefits are also wonderful as we meet friends and new friends in the lush atmosphere of bloom plants. My cultural uplift is continually upgraded with the new programs being added. And it’s so important for children, teens, 20′s and 30′s to find appreciation of the arts which go hand in hand with the floral aspects of the gardens. The emphasis on families and children add so much. The expansion of the gift shop with top quality items and beautiful plants is a wonderful attraction. I cannot ever leave without several new plants, books, decorative items and I know I’m one of the visitors who helps support the gardens financially thru the gift shop. The membership gives you so much more for your money than anyone could have hoped for. I have nothing but praise and admiration for the staff of Longwood and the tremendous work they are doing. This place will not become stoggy nor out of date due to the diligence to continually attract newer and younger members. I have brought in 12 new members in the past year and advertise the programs in my local church and in our flower guild of the church and also to garden clubs in southern NJ. Thank you Longwood Staff for being a blessing to the Delaware Valley.
Also I want to say that the outdoor dinner barbeque under the tent was a most beautiful addition. The food was delicious, the stations were manned with cultured kind persons whose smiles make you feel welcomed and cared about. The smiles of all the employees at Longwood on any visit with special care for your needs, concerns or wellbeing create an atmosphere second to none. I feel more than uplifted every time I travel the one and a half hours to be there, each way. A long trip for me, but most worthwhile.
And one more thing, this is serious gardening friends in a casual atmosphere that makes one feel as though you are standing on ‘holy ground’. Mr. duPont would truely be very happy if he could experience his gardens today. David
We just returned from the 4th Fireworks and BBQ were we also had our first chance to view the Light exhibit. We were enthralled by the beauty and magic of Mr. Munros works and plan to return and spend more time enjoying them. I do not see this as commercialism at all. It was a chance to see a unique exhibit and I commend the staff and management of Longwood for making it available to us. Thanks and keep up the great work, we will be back again and again.
[...] Gardens] Field of Light – Installation by Bruce Munro Photograph via Longwood Gardens Blog Photograph via Longwood Gardens Blog Field of Light: Small Lake [...]
[...] Longwood, we have established our very own definition of “a great garden of the world.” To us, greatness is defined by the ability to produce beautiful and timeless displays. But we also look beyond our own garden gates—to our relationship with international [...]