Created by genius designer Jack Larsen, Longhouse Reserve is a “not to be missed” art experience in the Hamptons. Walking through these gardens, one feels the breathtaking marriage of art and nature, and one is transported into a state of peace and tranquility.
Longhouse gardens are divided into many garden “rooms,” with 35 rooms in total. Toshiko Takaezu‘s “The Gateway Bell” welcomed us into the gardens as we passed through a sand dune area with a Bryan Hunt sculpture.
Highlights are “Maelstrom,” a white sculpture by Alice Aycock, and a Buckminster Fuller dome titled “Fly’s Eye Dome.” Do not miss Ai Weiwei ‘s “Animal’s Zodiac Heads: Gold” that are shown in the Pavilion area close to the main house.
If you want to laugh, look at the bronze trees with shoes (Migrant, 2010) by Cuban artist Yoan Capote.
Magdalena Abakanowicz’s twin sculpture overlooks a lotus-filled pond which could give the famed Giverny pond competition.
Be sure to locate the Dale Chihuly, “Cobalt Reeds” that are near the Pavillion and Yue Minjun’s spectacular bronze “Chinese Contemporary Warriors.”
Visitors love to climb on Sol LeWitt’s tower sculpture; you will always find children interacting with this piece, titled Irregular Progression, High #7.
A first time visitor may be overwhelmed by the many sculptures and installations, but be sure to search out the Willem de Kooning bronze “Reclining Figure” and Yoko Ono’s “Play It by Trust ” chess board.
The best surprise was coming across the Red Garden. The simplicity and elegance is memorable.
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