Calder Gardens, a Light-Filled Museum and Prairie, Houses the Sculptor’s Work in Philadelphia

Alexander Calder’s most widely recognized creation is perhaps the mobile. The lauded artist was a titan of Modernism whose desire to “draw” three-dimensional objects spirited the invention of what went on to become both an art historical achievement and a ubiquitous nursery item. Broadly interested in movement and space, Calder (1898–1976) is often cited as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Now, his work finds a new home in a sprawling museum in Philadelphia, the city where his family lived for generations and where he was born. Located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Calder Gardens comprises a 1.8-acre landscape and an 18,000-square-foot building that presents a rotating selection of the artist’s works.

the open atrium at Calder Gardens with two large-scale sculptures in red and black and a large hanging mobile

The museum is designed to bring art, architecture, and nature into a constant and ever-evolving conversation. Outdoor sculptures stand amid a lush prairie by Piet Oudolf, while architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron created an interior that interacts with Calder’s sculptures. Large-scale pieces loom inside airy concrete galleries, while smaller mobiles seem to nest perfectly in a well-lit opening.

Calder Gardens is open Wednesday through Monday. Find more on its website.

the open atrium at Calder Gardens with two large-scale sculptures in red and black and a large hanging mobile
the lush landscape at Calder Gardens
a large black Alexander Calder sculpture outdoors
a large gallery space at Calder Gardens a large-scale sculpture in red
an aerial view of the lush landscape at Calder Gardens
an architectural opening at Calder Gardens with a hanging spider like sculpter
a gray gallery hall at Calder Gardens with works on the wall and two hanging mobiles

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Calder Gardens, a Light-Filled Museum and Prairie, Houses the Sculptor’s Work in Philadelphia appeared first on Colossal.

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