See Philly’s Iconic Sculptures... in the Garden!

LOVE statue. Photo: Bob Weber

Rocky statue. Photo: Arnold Winkler

Rodin’s The Thinker. Photo: Arnold Winkler

Oldenberg’s 'Clothespin' Photo: Bob Weber

This summer, some of Philadelphia’s favorite statues can be seen in miniature at Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway display, where Art & Architecture takes the stage. Visitors will experience art such as Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’ to Oldenburg’s ‘Clothes Pin’; marvel at daring architecture including Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Falling Waters’ to Thomas Jefferson’s ‘Monticello’; and delight in the whimsical architecture of roadside attractions such as ‘Randy’s Donuts’ and the ‘Giant Teapot’. The sculptures and buildings are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones.

Open daily now through Labor Day. Enjoy model trains zipping along a quarter-mile track with bridges and tunnels, surrounded by a fantasy village of Philadelphia buildings and sculptures, and other architectural triumphs from around the world. It’s all outdoors in the summer garden!

The Summer Garden Railway is open daily through September 7, 2015; weekends only through October 12. Learn More »

Weekend Picks: The Ticket to Fun!

 The Garden Railway Returns!

This year’s theme is  "Art & Architecture"

Morris Arboretum has just the ticket to kick off summer – the Grand Opening of the Garden Railway display on Memorial Day weekend, celebrating its 18th year!  This year’s theme "Art & Architecture" will feature miniatures of iconic Philadelphia sculptures and famous lighthouses, to buildings from the last World’s Fair in 1964 and more!

Visitors will experience art such as Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’ to Oldenburg’s ‘Clothes Pin’; marvel at daring architecture including Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Falling Waters’ to Thomas Jefferson’s ‘Monticello’;  and delight in the whimsical architecture of roadside attractions such as ‘Randy’s Donuts’ and the ‘Giant Teapot’.  This year’s display will again, surely delight visitors both young and old.

Grand Opening activities will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 1:00 - 3:00pm.  Take part in a kids craft and enjoy free ice cream (while supplies last) and various hard pretzels with which guests can create their own delicious art & architecture.

The Garden Railway is open daily May 23 - September 7; weekends only through October 12. Free with regular garden admission.

3 Ways to Celebrate Summer!

The first calendar day of summer is June 21, but we like to celebrate as soon as the average daily temperature is over 75. Isn't that something to celebrate, especially after a brutal winter?! We think so. So, here are our favorite ways to kick off this sunshine-filled season:

1. Kickin' Off Summer Concert - Thursday, May 28
   Kick up your heels in the Azalea Meadow and celebrate the coming of summer with the best little Philly band you don’t know yet. With their infectious beats and electrifying 70s-era showmanship, You Do You is a funky feast for your eyes and ears. Get your tickets now
2. Summer Garden Railway Grand Opening - Saturday, May 23
   All aboard the Summer Express! Catch the Grand Opening of the Garden Railway display on Memorial Day weekend. This year’s theme "Art & Architecture" will feature miniatures of iconic Philadelphia sculptures and famous lighthouses, to buildings from the last World’s Fair in 1964 and more! Take part in a kids craft and enjoy free ice cream (while supplies last). Learn More
3. Late [Date] Night Wednesdays - Starting Wednesday, June 3
   Back by popular demand - the garden is open until 8pm on Wednesdays, June through August. Make it a date. Pack a picnic or grab bite at Compton Cafe, then take a stroll through the garden at sunset. 

A Holiday Display Returns to the Garden!

The Morris Arboretum’s popular Holiday Garden Railway Display returns the day after Thanksgiving.

Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under!), and bustling model trains, all set in the lovely winter garden of the Morris Arboretum. The display and buildings are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with miniature rivers. Each building, while an exact replica of the original, is unique in its design. Philadelphia-area landmarks such as a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pine cone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts. The buildings are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle along the tracks and around the surrounding landscape.

The Holiday Garden Railway opens the day after Thanksgiving and is open daily from 10am-4pm through December 14 and 10am-5pm, December 15-31 (closed Christmas Eve and day, and New Years day).

A special Holiday Garden Railway Grand Opening Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 24 from 1-3pm that will include the sounds of carolers. Kids and adults will also have the opportunity to make an ornament or decoration from natural materials to take home.  The Holiday Garden Railway is a great way to kick off the season and also serves as a fabulous a backdrop for your holiday greeting card, so bring your camera!

The Railway is free with regular garden admission.