KENNETT SQUARE, PA.- Longwood Gardens is home to the most significant fountain collection in North America and on May 27, the jewel of that collection, the Main Fountain Garden, again jets to life after a more than two-year revitalization. The premiere weekend, May 27–29, includes fountain performances throughout the day and into the evening, with a chance for guests to be among the first to explore the revitalized Garden.

The Main Fountain Garden is a hallmark of the Longwood experience visited by more than 1.35 million people each year. In 1931, Longwood’s founder Pierre S. du Pont debuted the Main Fountain Garden, which was inspired by 20th century technology from the world's fairs and the beauty of renowned European gardens. After more than 80 years of entertaining guests at Longwood, much of the fountain gardens’ stonework was in need of repair and the mechanical systems, which included the original pumps from 1931, needed updating.

As Longwood embarked on preserving the Garden, the team looked to the future to honor du Pont’s vision and ensure the continued enjoyment of the fountains with an original concept of “adaptive restoration” guiding thousands of design, preservation, restoration and technology application decisions.

Architecturally, the Main Fountain Garden is an Italian Renaissance-inspired expanse constructed on 5 acres with loggias, arches, and decorative sculptures. Dressed in opulent horticulture, the landscape includes generous lawns, shaded alleés, and sculpted plantings returning the Garden to its lush classical European roots. Several new elements including the Pumphouse Plaza and restored Fountain Terrace offer guests new vistas and access to the Garden. While a new, hidden Grotto surprises and intrigues visitors and offers a quiet, contemplative space.

The revitalization includes more than four thousand pieces of carved, ornamental limestone that were salvaged, meticulously cleaned, and repaired by stone carvers from around the world who recreated historic sculpture using traditional techniques and materials, including Italian limestone sourced from the original quarry.

The water theatrics of the Main Fountain Garden are a feat of design and engineering that rely on the most advanced technologies available, uniting the Fountain’s fully restored “Legacy Displays” with a new suite of fanciful fountain effects including basket weave and flame nozzles. The production of dramatic light and sound shows with fine aesthetic character are enabled by additional state-of-the-art technology systems.

Other new discoveries in the Main Fountain Garden include the welcoming Pumphouse Plaza and the Historic Pump Room & Gallery exhibit, which highlights the Garden’s original construction and showcases the original 18 pumps and mechanical systems that powered the fountains from 1931 to 2014.

Nowhere else in the world is there a setting that marries fountains, theatre, and garden– firmly establishing Longwood Gardens’ Main Fountain Garden as one of the finest such venues in the world.