story by KATHERINE KOPP
For garden lovers and those “in the know,” Sarah P. Duke Gardens—nestled on Duke University’s campus in Durham—is a Triangle treasure. Established in 1934, the 55-acre botanical haven strives to inspire transformative learning, promote wellness, and build community for its guests.
Attracting thousands of visitors annually, Duke Gardens is open year-round with no admission fee.
“We’ve had a huge spike in attendance in the past five years,” says Lauren Smith Hong, marketing and communications director. “We have gone from 400,000 to 500,000 visitors a year to between 600,000 and 700,000.”
Dating to 1934, the Historic Garden—now encompassed by Duke Gardens’ larger grounds—remains a showpiece and is home to the Italianate Terrace Gardens filled with ornamental flowers, trees, and shrubs. A graceful stone staircase winds through the landscaped grounds, its steps framed by manicured terraces and classical symmetry, leading visitors upward through shifting views to an overlook pavilion.
Spanning 6.5 acres, the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants highlights Southeastern U.S. flora and champions the conservation of threatened species. Named for Duke’s first botany chair, Hugo Blomquist, it showcases more than 900 distinct types of plants, meandering paths, tranquil ponds, a wildlife garden, and a birdwatching shelter.
The Meyer Bridge spans a quiet waterway, adding vibrant color to garden views.
Photo courtesy of Keith Kennedy
Another gem is the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, an 18-acre space that displays the floral biodiversity and cultural significance of plants from Southeast Asia. Sections of the arboretum include a serene Japanese garden, a vibrant peony garden, and a lush moss garden. Named for William Louis Culberson, a former Duke faculty member and Gardens director, this area celebrates his lasting impact on its botanical collections and the development of the grounds.
The Doris Duke Center features the Page-Rollins White Garden, inspired by England’s classic white-flowering cottage blooms, while the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden teaches how plants nourish and shelter people, birds, insects, and other wildlife.
Where Exploration Begins
The new Garden Gateway invites guests to wander through 55 scenic acres.
Photo courtesy of Sarah P. Duke Gardens
On April 8, the long-awaited Garden Gateway opened, marking the completion of a $30 million project that began in February 2025. The renovations include a new entrance and the Barnes Welcome Center—made possible by a $7 million gift from the Barnes Family Foundation—that features a dedicated visitor lobby, the Gardens Café, gallery space, state-of-the-art classrooms, and outdoor gathering areas.
A courtyard between the Doris Duke Center— formerly the main visitor hub—and the new building creates a shared community space.
Hong says the Garden Gateway project has been under discussion for about a decade, with architectural drawings and construction in progress for the past several years.
The refreshed entrance at 420 Anderson Street makes a striking first impression. “Before we began this project, the entryway to the gardens wasn’t very intuitive,” she says. “Now, the entry is more accessible and safer. Additionally, we have regraded the approach so that now we meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.”
The Doris Duke Center has shifted its focus to hosting events, Hong says. “It provides space for weddings and other special events. The renovation gives us a catering kitchen and a suite where a wedding party can dress for the wedding, as well as more office space for our staff.” Kirby Horton Hall, within the Doris Duke Center, can accommodate up to 150 seated guests.
A former parking lot is now a green lawn for events and activities. “We have an additional 10,000 square feet of green space for activities like picnics or movies on the lawn in the summer,” Hong notes. At the same time, an existing parking lot has been expanded, and a connecting drive now links the weekend parking area to the gardens.
Duke Gardens is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, with the visitor lobby in the Doris Duke Center open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Garden Gateway marks a new chapter for Duke Gardens, beloved by visitors and Triangle residents alike.
It’s not just going forward—it’s “growing forward.” Learn more at gardens.duke.edu.
The gardens invite discovery, both big and small.
Photo courtesy of Bill Snead
Featured image courtesy of Keith Kennedy