MURRELLS ISLET – Brookgreen Gardens National Historic Landmark is expanding.
The 9,100-acre sculpture garden and preserve recently opened a new visitor center and conservatory.
The upcoming development, called the Purdy Center, is part of the nonprofit's $25 million, Next Generation Campaign to expand the 93-year-old organization's arts, nature and history programs.
Brookgreen Gardens, founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, has since become a cultural icon for the people of Horry and Georgetown counties, as well as a tourist destination. Their annual Night of a Thousand Candles event, held during the Christmas season, usually sells out months in advance.
“This new visitor center and conservatory will greatly enhance the educational experience and opportunities offered to our members,” said Page Kinnear, president and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens, in a news release.
Officials said the Purdy Center will serve as Brookgreen Gardens' official reception center, provide additional space for events and educational programs and include a new, state-of-the-art portico.
State Sen. Steven Goldfinch, R-Murrells Inlet, said during the Feb. 5 groundbreaking ceremony that the region's economy "desperately" needs places like Brookgreen Gardens to attract visitors to the Grand Strand and Hammock Coast.
"The preservation of art is the preservation of history, the preservation of our culture, the expression of our culture, and that's a beautiful thing," Goldfinch said. "None of us could have done it without your contributions to this place."
Visitors to the new space will be able to explore tropical biomes and a butterfly garden. Brookgreen Gardens officials said the project's centerpiece, the Great Conservatory Hall, will feature skylights, translucent windows and accordion-shaped doors that lead to a large patio.
In addition, the space will feature constantly changing botanical displays, a floor-to-ceiling green wall with tropical and other plants, and hanging planters. Outside, there will be a raised terrace with a Kalwall screen in the shape of butterfly wings.
