Low Country, High Society

The Magic of Brookgreen Gardens

When Kathy suggested visiting Brookgreen Gardens on our South Carolina trip, I thought, Sure, why not? I wasn’t expecting much—a little walk, maybe a few flowers. I even mentally compared it to Cheekwood in Nashville. Spoiler alert: I was very wrong.

From the moment we stepped in, my jaw hit the ground and pretty much stayed there.

Brookgreen Gardens isn’t just pretty—it’s breathtaking. Sculptures popped up at every turn, perfectly placed in gardens that felt both wild and intentional. Giant moss-draped oaks swayed gently in the breeze like they were putting on a show just for us. And the water? It reflected everything—the sky, the sculptures, my wide-eyed wonder.

Lyn and I were like kids in a candy store. As creatives, we probably soaked it in differently than our other friends. We just kept saying to each other, Can you believe this place?

Brookgreen is the finest outdoor museum of its type in the world and contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculptures in the country, displayed in a stunning garden. The collection today contains over 2,700 works by 425 artists.

Who is behind Brookgreen Gardens?

Naturally, my curiosity kicked in. Who was behind this breathtaking place? As it turns out, Brookgreen Gardens was the brainchild of Anna Hyatt Huntington, an extraordinarily talented sculptor, and her husband, Archer Milton Huntington, one of the wealthiest and most accomplished men of his time. Archer was not only a poet and industrialist but also a renowned Hispanic scholar and founder of several cultural institutions.

Together in 1930, they bought four old rice plantations and transformed them into a magnificent showcase for both art and nature.

Anna, an award-winning sculptor in her own right, was a pioneering force in the art world, especially at a time when women artists were few and far between. She carved out a remarkable career, including creating the first public monument by a woman in New York City—Joan of Arc.

Initially, the idea for Brookgreen Gardens was to feature only Anna's sculptures, but her vision quickly expanded. What began as a personal collection grew into a permanent display that now represents the best of American sculpture from the 19th century to the present.

A different kind of legacy

And here’s where I get in my feelings a little. I always wonder about the history of places like this. Those grand plantation homes are gone now, and the land no longer grows rice. It’s sad to think about what’s been lost, but it’s also incredible to see what’s been created in its place. The artistry, the vision—it’s a different kind of legacy.

Anna, I have to hand it to you. Your sculptures, your gardens—they’re pure magic. You’ve made something timeless, something that brings joy to people like me who didn’t know what they were walking into.

So, if you ever find yourself near Murrells Inlet, do yourself a favor. Go. Let Brookgreen Gardens surprise you the way it surprised me. And be ready to pick your jaw up off the ground—I promise it’ll be worth it.

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Can’t travel to Europe? Don’t be fooled into thinking we don’t have art and culture here in the U.S. It might not be as old, but places like Brookgreen Gardens prove it’s every bit as beautiful.

And maybe that’s what I love most about moments like this—they feel like hidden treasures, an unexpected brush with sophistication and beauty that enriches life.

It’s not about being fancy or exclusive but about recognizing the value in artistry, history, and vision. Brookgreen Gardens may be tucked away in the Low Country, but it’s every bit high society.