Home

90 Years Connecting Plants, People, and Place • 1933 – 2023

Three children look down into orange and purple tulip plantings.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens 90th Anniversary logo

 

On June 4, 1933, the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, formerly the private estate known as Compton, opened to the public and marked its official transition to public garden.

We are celebrating this historic milestone by unveiling a new name, a refreshed brand, and a renewed emphasis on colorful plantings. Our commitment to bringing more color and beauty to our gardens will be on vibrant display this spring and summer as we reopen our popular Rose Garden as well as reveal Exuberant Blooms, a new pop-up garden of bold, flowering annuals.

Throughout the year, check out our events and programs being held in celebration of our anniversary, including themed garden tours, fun kids’ activities, and a reduced-price community weekend. We’ll also be sharing bits of our history every week on social media—follow #90yearsofMorris to get a glimpse into our past with historic photos, documents, blog posts, and more.

We hope to see you at the Morris soon!

Get Tickets →
  • A black and white photo of a garden on a hill.
    A view of the Morris circa 1909.  
  • A black and white photo of a mansion circa 1888.
    John and Lydia Morris’ summer mansion Compton in Chestnut Hill,1888.
  • A black and white photograph of a garden with a sundial and fountain.
    View of the Flower Walk with Sundial and Marble Fountain circa 1910.
  • A black and white photo of a pumphouse.
    Pump House circa 1911.
  • A black and white photo of two men lifting large boulders in a garden.
    Working on the Ravine Garden, 1913.
1
A black and white photo of a woman in the late-1800s.
“As we stand on the cusp of our second century, our role as a research institution and a place for joy and healing has never been more critical. Lydia Morris gifted the Arboretum to the University of Pennsylvania so it could become a place for botanical research, horticultural education and public engagement. With the expansion of our research program, educational opportunities for children, students and adults, and a focus on beauty and color in horticultural design, I believe we are celebrating Lydia’s gift in all we do.”
- F. Otto Haas Executive Director Bill Cullina

Learn More