Longwood Gardens recently broadcast the premiere of Longwood Reimagined, a new documentary that tells the story of the ambitious transformation of 17 acres at the world-renowned Gardens. It was available on WHYY, and more viewing dates are coming to the Gardens.
Narrated by Emmy-award winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) and directed by documentary storyteller Glenn Holsten of Philadelphia, Longwood Reimagined offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the transformation of 17 acres within one of the world’s great cultural landscapes. Filmed over four years, this sweeping documentary follows visionary architects, landscape designers, and preservationists as they envision a dynamic new garden experience.
Through, expert interviews, immersive footage, and archival materials, the film reveals how Longwood wove contemporary architecture and landscape design to create bold new spaces while carefully preserving iconic gardens of the past, carrying forward the spirit and legacy of founder Pierre S. du Pont.
“This film gives audiences a rare glimpse into the vision, innovation, and intentional planning that happens behind the scenes at Longwood,” said Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens. “It captures the passion and purpose that guided our bold step into the future with this extraordinary project.”
Notable highlights of the Longwood Reimagined project include the soaring 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory designed by WEISS/MANFREDI, featuring a Mediterranean-inspired landscape by Reed Hilderbrand and sustainable design features throughout.
The project also involved the careful relocation and restoration of the Cascade Garden, originally designed by modernist landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx—preserving the last garden of its kind in North America. Additionally, the project created a new home for Longwood’s 1906 restaurant and introduced a new event space, both thoughtfully integrated into existing structures.
The film features insights from Architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, Reed Hilderbrand principal Kristin Fredrickson, and other key collaborators as they reflect on the complexities of building at the intersection of design, horticulture, and legacy.
Onsite screenings of Longwood Reimagined will take place Sept. 19-21 at 7 pm in the Gardens. The screenings are free with Gardens Admission.
Both a tribute to timeless beauty and a bold step into the future, Longwood Reimagined reveals the passion and purpose behind a reimagination that will inspire for generations to come.
______
