Brookgreen Gardens is a unique melding of art, nature, and history.
Since its founding in 1931, by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen has been a cultural center for our community.
We hope residents and visitors will take pride in the fact that in their midst is one of America’s premier gardens and one of a few select places in the United States to have earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Every day, Brookgreen offers a selection of tours, programs, and exhibits for all ages. You may stroll through the gardens on a guided tour or explore these beautiful spaces on your own. Each season, new exhibitions and special events make Brookgreen Gardens...Ever Changing. Simply Amazing.
See you in the gardens!
Page Kiniry
President and CEO
Awards and Honors
American Public Gardens Association Award for Garden Excellence, 2019
Gari Melchers Memorial Medal from the Artists’ Fellowship, 2018
USAToday 10Best - #9 in Best Botanical Garden category, 2018
USAToday 10Best - Top 10 in Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights category, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
USAToday 10Best - Top 10 for Best Sculpture Park, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
USAToday 10Best - Attractions in South Carolina 2018
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame Award, 2010-2024
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award, Top Attraction in South Carolina
South Carolina Bundy Award for Industry Leadership and Innovation 2018 - Nights of a Thousand Candles
South Carolina Governor’s Cup Tourism Award
South Carolina Non-Profit of the Year from the SC Association of Non-Profits
South Carolina Heritage Tourism Award from the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation
South Carolina Art Commission – Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award
National Sculpture Society – Herbert Adams Medal for outstanding contribution to American Sculpture
Coastal Carolina University David Drayton Award – Preserving Gullah Culture
Historic Ricefields Association Carolina Gold Award
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce – Business Image Award, Excellence in Customer Service Award, and Going Green Award
Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce – Excellence in Customer Service Award, Non-Profit of the Year
South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism - The Bundy Award for Excellence in Tourism Marketing
Travel+Leisure Magazine – Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina Named one of the Top 10 Public Gardens in the US by Coastal Living Magazine
Named one of the Top Five Favorite Gardens by readers of Southern Living Magazine
U.S. News and World Report - 25 Best Christmas Light Displays in the County
Lonely Planet - Best Christmas Destination
Forbes - Top Rated Christmas Lights in Every State - South Carolina selection
Charlotte Observer named Brookgreen "One of the seven wonders of the Carolinas"
Rated a Gem Attraction – recommended by AAA
Named “one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach” by AOL Travel
BROOKGREEN GARDENS MISSION
Brookgreen Gardens is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is:
- To collect, conserve and exhibit figurative sculpture by American artists;
- To cultivate a display garden and exhibit sculpture therein;
- To collect, conserve and exhibit the plants, animals, and cultural materials of the South Carolina Lowcountry;
- To educate a diverse audience about sculpture, horticulture, and the ecology and history of the Lowcountry;
- To provide additional artistic and cultural opportunities for members, guests, and the community;
- To sustain the institution and all of its assets with visionary leadership, sound management, and prudent fiscal policies.
ACCREDITATIONS
Brookgreen Gardens is one of the few institutions in the United States to earn accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark and being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
ANNUAL REPORT
Each year, Brookgreen Gardens produces the Brookgreen Journal, which includes the annual report for the previous fiscal year. You may flip through the Journal below or request a printed copy by calling 843-235-6000.