herzog & de meuron-designed calder gardens announces september 2025 opening

Calder Gardens to open in September 2025

Calder Gardens, the new cultural destination designed by Herzog and de Meuron and Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf (see designboom’s previous coverage here), has announced its opening date in September 2025. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in downtown Philadelphia, the gallery space is set to showcase the art and ideas of Alexander Calder, one of the 20th century’s most influential artists and a Philadelphia native. The institute has also appointed Juana Berrío as the Marsha Perelman Senior Director of Programs. A seasoned curator, educator, and arts programmer, Berrío will lead public programming that connects audiences to Calder’s work through performances, events, and wellness activities, fostering engagement and community in this innovative blend of art, nature, and architecture.

all images courtesy of Calder Gardens

Juana Berrío Curates Inclusive Programming at Calder Gardens

Beginning her role on January 21st, 2025, Juana Berrío will draw on her extensive background in curatorial practice and arts programming to shape new public engagement initiatives for this new Philadelphia-based institution. With experience at leading institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, SFMOMA, and the Walker Art Center, as well as her work as cofounder of San Francisco’s Kiria Koula, Berrío has developed a reputation for creating dynamic, community-focused cultural experiences. Her diverse expertise, spanning education, research, and sustainability, positions her to craft programs that reflect the spirit of Calder’s art while fostering inclusivity and connection.

‘Calder Gardens is an entirely new type of cultural institution focused on nurturing introspection and personal growth through the art and ideas of my grandfather—one of the most influential artists of the modern era. Juana Berrío’s expertise and wide-ranging interdisciplinary experience—shaped by openness, compassion, and curiosity—
make her ideal for this essential role at Calder Gardens. We look forward to being inspired by her dynamic, unexpected programming,’ says Alexander S. C. Rower, President of the Calder Foundation, Chair of the Calder Gardens Curatorial Committee, and Calder’s grandson.

‘I am thrilled to join Calder Gardens, a unique space that integrates art, architecture, and nature to invite self-reflection,’ shares Juana Berrío. ‘I look forward to working with the team to design rich cross-pollinations between artistic and nonartistic practices, with diverse communities, and between humans, flora, and fauna. Calder’s own passion for interdisciplinary collaborations and experimentation at large provides a perfect context for Calder Gardens to become one of the most innovative and forward-thinking spaces for art and culture today.’