Sherman Library & Garden: Grow the Gardens Campaign

Jul 1

Newport Beach’s iconic, world-class cultural hub took a significant step forward by unveiling thoughtful facility improvements and expanding educational and artistic programming for all generations. The eagerly anticipated Grow the Gardens Campaign, focused on creating “a new front door” for Sherman Library & Gardens, officially blossomed to life at a special event held on May 16, 2024.

The renovation plans allow for increased visibility along Pacific Coast Highway, further establishing the nonprofit as a key cultural center in the community. This exciting opportunity reconfigured, renovated, and reimagined the property. The campaign aims to invest at least $13 million into the destination, breathing new life into spaces while respecting each structure's integrity and historic qualities. By the time of the announcement, over 50% of the total estimated funding had been raised, supporting improvements designed to create better outcomes for the community, including:

New education space and programs to enhance the community’s encounter with the botanical and historical wonder of the Pacific Southwest.
Renovations of the tropical conservatory and the shade house to protect the health of valuable plant collections such as Orchids.
Improvements making Sherman Library & Gardens the most accessible and walkable botanical garden in Southern California, enabling visitors to see a vast array of global beauty on a calm and relaxing stroll.
The 3,000 member households and 8,000 individual members will benefit from increased accessibility, renovated amenities and enhanced program offerings, improving their overall health and well-being.

More than just an outdoor gathering space, the lush gardens provided an emotional reprieve for people looking to connect with one another, nature, and the community. The Grow the Gardens Campaign invites community members near and far to leave a lasting legacy by pledging their support. Growing the Gardens is meant to welcome more visitors, offer more community services and educational programs, support more local artists, authors and performers, and celebrate more seasons of life with the families of Orange County.

“The Samueli Foundation is so happy to see our neighbor, Sherman Library & Gardens, growing and blooming as is modeled by the many beautiful plants the gardens contain. This hidden gem deserves to be discovered and enjoyed by many and this next phase opens the door to that renaissance perfectly. Congratulations to the team!” - Erin Samueli, Board of Directors, Samueli Foundation.

“Sherman Library & Gardens is devoted to making the world a better place through education, beauty, and the arts. We welcome everyone to participate in this generational opportunity that will benefit this incredible community.” - Gary Pickett, President, Sherman Foundation.

“Our family is honored to be a part of such an important milestone in the history of Sherman Library & Gardens and our community. The iconic destination has so much history and beauty to offer throughout the seasons, and we are inspired to see the improvements take place which will allow more patrons to fully enjoy all that the property has to offer.” - Anton Segerstrom.

“We’re inspired to plant the seeds to grow the garden and leave a legacy for generations to come.” - Scott LaFleur, Executive Director, Sherman Library & Gardens.

For more information and to see renderings, visit: www.thesherman.org