Sacred Places
Upper Courtyard Warden's Garden at The Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
A cast of the original lion's head spout, at the centre of the pool.
WHERE
Philadelphia, PA
SETTING
Education
PARTNER INSTITUTION
Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
HOW IT CAME TO BE
Part of a renovation, not an addition.
01
The Need
The original Penn Museum building, built in 1899 and designed by Wilson Eyre, needed its facilities upgraded.
02
The Vision
The Warden Garden was folded into that multi-year renovation project rather than treated separately, so that the green space would welcome visitors arriving at the museum.
03
The Transformation
Completed in 2004, the garden holds peaceful, shady sitting areas and a reflecting pool with fish and water lilies, and at the centre of the pool sits a cast of the original lion's head spout. In a contemplative corner is the Loren Eiseley Poetry Corner.
WHO TENDS IT
Prithi Chandra
Firesoul, Upper Courtyard Warden's Garden at The Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
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Jennifer Brehm
Firesoul, Upper Courtyard Warden's Garden at The Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
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HEAR FROM THE VISITORS
From the Little Yellow Journal
This is a wonderful idea. It has helped me today to remember a mission I chose decades ago and had all but forgotten from discouragement & frustration & impatience. I want to re-commit myself to striving for "a more loving & a healthier world" for all people and all living things. Thank you for your kindness to the world
– John W.L.
