Read on Twitter
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
(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. 
/2
(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. /2
In this photo, you can see both of the Moongates, as well as the center pool during construction.
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'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
@SmithsonianArch do you happen to need these photos? We've got more! 
Do YOU have a story about or know anyone who was part of the #MoongateGarden's construction? We'd love to hear from you in the replies!
#ThrowbackThursday #FreerSackler
/end
