The Garden Gateway

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is excited to announce the Garden Gateway, a transformational project designed to expand and enrich the experience for all visitors to this cherished campus and community treasure.

For our more than 600,000 visitors annually, the Garden Gateway will create:

• A new welcome center with a café
• Enhanced learning and event facilities
• A safer and more accessible entrance to the Gardens
• Expanded green spaces designed for events and enjoyment

These exciting new features will elevate your experience at Duke Gardens, fostering deeper connections with the natural world and our vibrant community.

Duke Gardens will remain open during the construction period, though there will be some construction-related changes. We are committed to keeping you informed and ensuring a positive experience as the Garden Gateway takes shape. Stay informed about the project by signing up for updates HERE.

FAQ

Why is the Garden Gateway important?

 

Growth is at the heart of Duke Gardens. The Garden Gateway is a transformational project designed to embrace the dramatic growth of the past decade and prepare for the future. This initiative will create a new welcome center, enhance learning and event facilities and expand green spaces. These improvements will ensure that Duke Gardens remains a vibrant hub for students, the Duke community and the wider public, while retaining its cultural and historical character. The Garden Gateway will enrich every visitor's experience, foster deeper community connections and support the long-term sustainability of Duke Gardens.

When will the project break ground?

 

We anticpate that construction on the Garden Gateway will begin in late fall 2024.

Will Duke Gardens remain open during construction?

 

Yes. The gardens will remain open during the renovations. During the Garden Gateway construction period, the main entrance to Duke Gardens at 420 Anderson Street and the Gardens parking lots will be closed. Visitors may enter Duke Gardens on foot through the temporary pedestrian entrance at 2000 Lewis Street, which will be constructed this October and November, and through the garden gates leading to West Campus along Flowers Drive. Public parking will be available to visitors on weekends only in the nearby Duke University H-lot, located on Anderson Street and Yearby Avenue.  Once the renovations are underway, visitors are strongly encouraged to visit Duke Gardens on weekends when public parking is available or use alternative means of transportation. Visitors are advised to check our website for updates and important information as the project takes shape.

How is the Garden Gateway funded?

 

The project is funded by a lead gift of $5 million from The Duke Endowment and contributions from generous individuals.

Will the Garden Gateway add more green space?

 

Yes. Visitors will enjoy new green spaces to gather, learn, relax and celebrate, including expanded outdoor facilities for performing arts and educational programs.

What improvements can we expect from the Garden Gateway?

 

Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting new amenities and upgrades, including: 

• A new welcome center to enhance accessibility and engagement
• Greatly expanded dining options, with the addition of a new café
• Programming strengthened by expanded classroom, meeting and office spaces
• Improved transportation routes for school and community programs
• Significant upgrades to restroom facilities
• Improved infrastructure that supports sustainability and environmental responsibility
• Expanded lawn and dedicated outdoor spaces for community events and performances
• Increased capacity for rentals, events and weddings, including a new catering kitchen 

How will the Garden Gateway construction project impact my visit?

During the Garden Gateway construction period, the main entrance to Duke Gardens at 420 Anderson Street and the Gardens parking lots will be closed. Visitors may enter Duke Gardens on foot through the temporary pedestrian entrance at 2000 Lewis Street, which will be constructed this October and November, and through the garden gates leading to West Campus along Flowers Drive. Public parking will be available to visitors on weekends only in the nearby Duke University H-lot, located on Anderson Street and Yearby Avenue. Once the renovations are underway, visitors are strongly encouraged to visit Duke Gardens on weekends when public parking is available or use alternative means of transportation. Visitors are advised to check our website for updates and important information as the project takes shape.

What should I do before I visit?

 

Before coming to Duke Gardens, we recommend checking our website for the latest updates and information that may impact your visit. By staying informed, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Additionally, you can sign up to have regular updates and important announcements sent directly to your inbox. 

What measures are being taken to promote sustainability?

Sustainability is at the heart of our renovation project. The new construction will adhere to Duke University’s High Performance Building Framework, which takes a holistic view of green building at Duke by outlining an improved process for planning campus buildings, a rigorous sustainable design standard, and a new tracking and rating system to examine how facilities perform in the long term. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a healthy future for generations to come.  

I’d like to plan my wedding at Duke Gardens. Can I do that during the Garden Gateway construction period?

 

We currently are not accepting reservations for rental facilities for parties, weddings or special events, as the Doris Duke Center will be closed for construction. You can sign up here to receive the latest news and updates about the Garden Gateway. This will be the best way to find out when reservations resume for weddings and celebrations.

Will programs, tours and public events continue?

 

Yes. Limited programs and events will continue throughout construction, with the full schedule available on our website. Most public tours and school programs will pause until the renovations are completed. Check our website for updates.

When will the Garden Gateway project be completed?

 

Construction is expected to be finished in spring 2026. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work toward creating a more beautiful, sustainable and accessible garden for everyone to enjoy.

How can I stay informed as the Garden Gateway takes shape?

 

We will provide regular updates on our website and through our social media channels. You can also sign up to receive the latest news about the Garden Gateway here.