Created by:

Patrick Dougherty

Download a Brochure about The Summer Palace

On display in the Morris Arboretum’s Madeleine K. Butcher Sculpture Garden, the site-specific piece consists of three rounded “layers” with a top that resembles the quintessential onion-dome characteristic of Russian and Byzantine architecture.  

The first layer of the piece, which is accessible to the public, features a spiraled interior and several “windows” which allow the viewer a “peek” inside. the structure maintains an earthy accessibility. 

Dougherty, who waits until each installation is complete before naming it, solicited input from visitors, volunteers and Arboretum staff before ultimately deciding on The Summer Palace.  Reminiscent of Dr. Zhivago, the name also fittingly recalls how the Morris Arboretum began as the summer home of founders John and Lydia Morris.  

Click here to check out our blog documenting the day by day progress as the sculpture was built.

Featured Press

If you would like to know more, there were many great articles written about the construction and completion of The Summer Palace. Click on any of the titles below to download the article.