The Newfields Museum of Art and Nature, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., broke ground in mid-November on a $10 million flower and vegetable garden project scheduled to open in late 2026 in the museum's Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse.
According to a press release from Newfields, RAS Landscape Architects worked on the design, paying tribute to its original use on the Oldfields Estate, also known as Lilly House and Gardens. Both the Landon and Lilly families, previous owners of Oldfields, dined and entertained themselves on the flowers and vegetables grown there when they lived on the site.
The construction work, in collaboration with Shiel Sexton, will restore parts of the original property while redesigning surrounding areas to enhance the garden experience for visitors.
Once completed in late 2026, the green space will include a flexible-use pavilion that will expand capacity for educational and wellness programs, the release said. It will also house a culinary center that utilizes garden produce for guests and supports culinary programs for seasonal events such as Spring Blooms, Winterlights and Harvest Nights.
The garden will feature accessible paths and restrooms, an elevated viewing area, a grotto, reflecting pools and plant displays for all seasons.
“This massive undertaking will transform an overlooked part of The Garden into a vibrant gathering place for guests to connect, learn and be inspired,” said Le Monte Booker, president and CEO of Newfields. “I am very grateful to the many donors who have generously supported this endeavor and look forward to the vibrant role the flower and vegetable garden will play for Newfields and the Indianapolis community for generations to come.”
The project cost of $10 million is supported by donors and the Newfields Foundation. To find out more, visit discovernewfields.org/current-projects.
