The spring Sustainer day trip to the newly opened Calder Gardens on the Parkway included tours of both the gardens and the museum. More than 14 Sustainers gathered for a lovely tour on a beautiful, sunny day in April.
This new 18,000 square foot art venue is dedicated to the sculptures of Alexander Calder and includes rotating exhibits. Mr. Calder is known for his kinetic, suspended mobiles. The gardens were designed by Piet Oudolf, and the museum was designed by Herzog and de Meuron. The gardens include more than 250 varieties of plants. From the gardens, visitors can see the top of City Hall.
The statue of William Penn was sculpted by Mr. Calder’s grandfather, and the Swan Memorial Fountain in Philadelphia was designed by his father. Mr. Calder’s mother, Nanette Lederer Calder, was also an accomplished painter. They are truly a family of artisans.
It was a marvelous day to enjoy time with friends and celebrate a new art treasure in Philadelphia. Calder Gardens is a wonderful destination for the City of Philadelphia.