While we’ve been social distancing, our teams have been working on a variety of projects. One of our #FreerSackler photographers came across photos of the installation of the Moongate Garden. Let’s take a quick trip to November 1986 for #ThrowbackThursday! /1
The Moongate Garden is part of the larger Haupt Garden, which is surrounded by the @smithsonian Castle
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🏰" title="European castle" aria-label="Emoji: European castle">(seen in the background at right), the Sackler Gallery, @nmafa, and the S. Dillon Ripley Center. @sigardens cares for the living collections in all of our gardens.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🌼" title="Blossom" aria-label="Emoji: Blossom">
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🌳" title="Deciduous tree" aria-label="Emoji: Deciduous tree"> /2
In this photo, you can see both of the Moongates, as well as the center pool during construction.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🌘" title="Waning crescent moon symbol" aria-label="Emoji: Waning crescent moon symbol">
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔵" title="Blue circle" aria-label="Emoji: Blue circle">
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🌒" title="Waxing crescent moon symbol" aria-label="Emoji: Waxing crescent moon symbol">
The garden was designed by architect Jean Paul Carlhian, and inspired by the gardens and architecture of the #TempleOfHeaven in Beijing, China. /3
The garden was designed by architect Jean Paul Carlhian, and inspired by the gardens and architecture of the #TempleOfHeaven in Beijing, China. /3
The circular pool design is meant to remind us of @NMAfA& #39;s windows (just peeking through the trees at left). The 9-foot-tall pink granite moongates and water are the major features of the garden.
In Chinese culture, rock symbolizes the body of the earth, and water its spirit. /4
In Chinese culture, rock symbolizes the body of the earth, and water its spirit. /4
Do YOU have a story about or know anyone who was part of the #MoongateGarden& #39;s construction? We& #39;d love to hear from you in the replies!
#ThrowbackThursday #FreerSackler
/end