Our Garden Conservancy group visited the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas last week, founded in 2003 by Raymond and Patsy Nasher. It’s a beautiful example of the synergistic intersection of art and garden design. The center has more than 300 masterpieces by Calder, deKooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Hepworth, Kelly, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, Serra and many more…
The museum was designed by Renzo Piano in collaboration with the renowned landscape designer Peter Walker (from Berkeley, CA), who also did the landscape design for the National 9/11 Monument, Newport Beach Civic Center Park, the University of Texas at Dallas, and our own San Francisco Transbay Terminal. The landscaping is stunningly simple and serene.
When you enter the front door to the Center, your eye immediately takes you through the glass windows in front of you to the outdoor garden containing several large sculptures. It is a true inside/outside integration and experience.
When visiting, allow an hour – for the outdoors exhibits alone – as you’ll want to walk the paths, enjoy the trees and feel the space, in addition to appreciating the incredible art. The green open space is peaceful and serene and would hold its own even without the sculptures. It is a perfect setting for the spectacular Nasher collection.
My most memorable art moment? Experiencing Bronze Crowd by Magdalena Abakaowicz.
