Today the Heritage Museums and Gardens is known as the largest public garden in Southern New England celebrating American culture and inspiring individuals of all ages to explore, discover and learn together.
Exhibitions
Celebrate American culture in one of the Heritage Museums and Gardens’ three gallery buildings. Situated throughout the grounds, the three galleries boast a world-class collection of American Folk Art, a working antique carousel from 1908 and rare carousel figures.
American Art and Carousel Gallery
Discover one of the finest collections of American Folk Art in the American Art and Carousel Gallery. You’ll find portraits, cigar-store figures, Nantucket Lightship baskets, tavern and shop signs, scrimshaw and other unique items that reflect American Folk Art.
The Carousel
One of the most popular attractions at the Heritage Museums and Gardens is the hand-carved carousel made by Charles Looff in 1908. Thrilling riders for over 100 years, you can enjoy unlimited rides on the carousel with your admission to the Heritage Museums and Gardens.
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Hosting the Heritage Museums and Gardens special traveling exhibits, the Special Exhibitions Gallery is a replica of “The Temple” a Revolutionary War fort originally located in New Windsor, New York. The original “Temple” was where George Washington’s army spent the last winter of the Revolutionary War in 1783.
Gardens and Grounds
Marvel at 100 spectacular acres of trees and shrubs, specialty gardens, unique flower collections and sweeping lawns. The gardens and grounds at the Heritage Museums and Gardens offer guests something spectacular all year round. Delight in Dexter Rhododendrons and budding trees in the spring, annuals bursting with color and dazzling daylilies in the summer, blazing foliage and the fall-blooming Franklinia in the fall and soft purple heather, brightly-colored berries and noble evergreens in the winter.
Old East Windmill
Serving Orleans, Massachusetts for 93 years, the Old East Windmill was once used to grind wheat, rye, barely and salt. Moved to its current location in Heritage Museums and Gardens in 1968, the windmill has been restored and fitted with an electric drive so it can run regardless of the presence of the wind.
Labyrinth
Erected in 2002, the Labyrinth was designed by renowned artist Marty Cain of Newport, NH. Made of crushed shells and pink granite, the seven-circuit labyrinth enables guests to follow a single path to its center and use the same path to return, coming full circle and exiting where they entered.
Hart Family Maze Garden
Capturing the mystery and intrigue of exploration that characterizes a classical maze, the Hart Family Maze Garden was opened in 2004 and was inspired by the surrounding landscape, the New England climate and vines from the Heritage vine collection. Get lost in a combination of evergreen and deciduous vines and hedges that create opaque walls and transparent windows.
Hidden Hollow
Play in and explore the natural world in Hidden Hollow. Nestled between a two-acre dry kettle hole, the Hidden Hollow features a stimulating and beautiful outdoor setting with a wide range of activity areas in which you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you are looking for something to remember your time at Heritage Museums and Gardens, or a special gift for a loved one, you can browse through items made by local artisans, unique home décor gifts and commemorative items at the Museum Store.