Calder Gardens

Opened in September 2025, Calder Gardens is a new art institution dedicated to Alexander Calder (1898–1976). Building on the artist’s enduring legacy, it is conceived as a place where an evolving interplay between art, architecture, nature, and programming encourages contemplation and self-discovery.

Set within a landscape featuring more than 250 varieties of plants in gardens, Calder Gardens’ 18,000-square-foot building houses a rotating installation of artworks by Calder.

Programming at Calder Gardens includes plans to present performances, sonic experiences, screenings, lectures, and other events that connect the artist’s legacy of innovation to contemporary art. Emphasizing mindfulness and environmental awareness, Calder Gardens is a space that foregrounds the interconnectedness of all elements of life.

Calder Gardens is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the heart of Philadelphia, a city where the artist himself was born, with deep connections to the Calder family across several generations. Built on city-owned land, Calder Gardens has an operational partner in The Barnes Foundation, another cultural institution project successfully delivered by Aegis as project manager. 

Aegis was retained in spring 2020 to provide programming and project management services through all phases of this unique project, which features a surface-level lobby and underground galleries. Aegis represented the project at every step of the process, collaborating with a local and international project team on behalf of the owner.

In addition to Aegis as owner’s representative, project team members include Herzog & de Meuron (design architect), Ballinger (local architect of record, structural engineer), Guy Nordenson and Associates (structural engineer), Altieri (MEP engineer), Pennoni (civil engineer), Piet Oudolf (landscape designer), Richard Herbert Landscape Architect (landscape architect), Karlssonwilker (logomark and signage designer), Re:Vision (LEED consultant), LF Driscoll (construction manager), and BFW Group (construction project partner).

Calder Gardens is on target for LEED Silver certification.

Photographs  ©  Iwaan Baan. Artwork by Alexander Calder © 2025 Calder Foundation, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Rendering © Herzog & de Meuron

Press around Calder Gardens:

First look inside Herzog & de Meuron’s Calder Gardens museum in Philadelphia

The Parkway’s luminous, magical spirit cave 

Legendary Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf reimagines the Calder Gardens

In Philadelphia, Calder Gardens shines a light on the artist’s legacy

Calder Gardens, a stunning new tribute to Alexander Calder, opens in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia’s Calder Gardens, a dynasty comes home

The building may be done but the gardens are just getting to work at Calder Gardens

When looking at a sculpture in the Calder Gardens, there is no ‘wrong answer’

Calder Gardens’ programs will cultivate community and plant artistic seeds

Calder Gardens brings stillness to Philadelphia’s Parkway

Calder Gardens architect on why it is a uniquely Philadelphia institution