Museum gardens

This new ’scape cahier presents a selection of special museum gardens, each with their own distinct look and approach. In recent years, museum gardens have gained significance as an integral part of the museum experience; either as a space to showcase sculptures in a green setting, to extend the narrative of the museum into the garden, or to emphasise the context of the surrounding landscape.

Sometimes, the garden even becomes a living artwork itself. This is the case in the gardens of Piet Oudolf, who is said to ‘paint with plants’, composing beautiful scenes on a canvas with colours, textures and shapes. Another approach is offered by landscape architect Sara Zewde, whose designs draw inspiration from the narrative and history of the land. In her recently opened roof garden of the Studio Museum in Harlem the planting is selected from both the artworks and the surrounding neighbourhood, while her landscaping project at the Dia Art Museum, along the Hudson River, responds to the historic flow of the water and its relationship to humans. 

In the designer’s thoughts section, Anna Liu and Mike Tonkins from Tonkin Liu Architects talk about their favourite projects, sources of inspiration and a holistic approach to architecture.

Especially for the summer season, we have assembled a selection of museum gardens to visit across the globe. An invitation to experience art and landscape together; a combination that never fails to inspire.

Enjoy this new issue!