| | Goal for Phase II: $22 million–Total Raised as of May 15, 2013: $7.9 million
• $18.8 million for US side contracts
- Raised $6.9 million,Still need $11.9 million
• $3.2 million in equivalent RMB for China side contracts
- Raised $1 million, Still need US $2.2 million in equivalent RMB
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Phase II of the Garden of Flowing Fragrance
Since February 2008, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance (Liu Fang Yuan) has attracted visitors, tour groups, special guests, and donors to enjoy its elegant beauty and to be inspired by the rich tapestry of Chinese architecture, horticulture, poetry, and aesthetics. Phase I of the largest classical Chinese garden outside China is already much loved and admired. It has proved to be a platform for exceptional cultural programs—public festivals, school programs, and scholarly conferences, exhibitions and musical performances.
It is the product of private generosity. Since its inception in 1995, nearly 350 donors have given some $18.3 million to fund the design and construction of the first phase. Hundreds more have given and pledged another $10 million to seed an increasing array of educational and cultural programs and to create endowments.
In 2009, The Huntington launched a special initiative to raise gifts for the construction of the next phase of the Chinese Garden. Hundreds have responded. Lead gifts have been received to seed the design and construction, to purchase initial materials, and to prepare the ground and lay infrastructure. Working with the Suzhou Institute of Landscape Architectural Design (SILAD), The Huntington’s team has developed an exceptional plan to complete the garden and make it a world-class center for Chinese culture.
To the north of the lake, the plan calls for a lake-side performance hall for music, dance, opera, and readings; a large courtyard; a small climate-controlled and secure exhibition space; and a covered walkway alongside the Flower Washing Brook that will create small separated gardens and elegant views.
To the west, the design calls for completing the boat-shaped pavilion. Pathways will meander up the hill to a penjing (Chinese bonsai) garden with covered corridors and walls punctuated by lattice windows. And on the highest point of the southwest side will be a small viewing pavilion from which to see the entire garden, across the lake, and the San Gabriel Mountains.
The estimated project cost to build is $22 million. Lead gifts received have helped to purchase about 1,000 tons of Tai Hu style rock, brought here courtesy of China Shipping (Group) Company and The Dedeaux Family and DART Trucking Company. Gifts of all sizes are welcome. Permanent recognition starts at $10,000 and special recognition opportunities begin at $100,000.
The Huntington is an incomparable context for the Chinese Garden, a resource for scholars, school children, families, and the community. Help to ensure the vision of the newest Huntington garden—the Chinese Garden—for the next century by helping to complete the Next Phase.
It is a Legacy for future generations.