The Gelvin Garden at Krannert Art Museum will be featured in the 2025 Champaign County Master Gardener Garden Walk. The walk is a community tradition and self-guided tour through the stunning private gardens of five local homeowners, plus two public gardens.
Framed behind an enclosure of Karl Forester Feather Reed Grass, we find one of the loveliest public gardens in CU. Gelvin Garden was dedicated in 1990 from funds donated by Roseanne Gelvin Noel and Philip Gelvin to honor their parents. The plan was to provide a beautiful and peaceful entry to Krannert Art Museum. Museum director Jon Seydl calls Gelvin Gardens the “first and last gallery” of the museum “because they not only house works from the collection but also the gardens are a work of art.”
Terry Harkness, landscape architect, designed the gardens. Four sculptures by Tom Otterness and several concrete benches invite the visitor to linger. Two Japanese Maples provide additional focal points with their size and color. Dozens of annuals provide consistent color to augment perennial beds; a wide variety of shrubs and bulbs complete the glorious palate.
Remarkable features include the dedicated volunteer gardeners who, guided by Master Gardeners, meet weekly over ten months. Their knowledge, persistence, and hard work over many years have turned a formerly neglected garden into a truly exquisite place. Visitors, often seen on benches sharing coffee and conversations, fulfill the garden’s mission. Students gather here for photos and special events. For others, its quietness offers a respite from the busy world. All who visit leave refreshed.
Tickets ($10) are a benefit for the U of I Extension Master Gardener program and include entry to seven gardens. Kids 10 and under are free.
For more information and purchasing tickets:
https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/garden-walk-2025
Presented in partnership with Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Krannert Art Museum is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council.
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Krannert Art Museum Summer Hours:
Tue–Fri 10–5 | Sat 10–4
(Opening early at 9 am on June 21)
*Parking nearby is free on weekends*
Krannert Art Museum offers a variety of accessibility supports to help ensure all visitors can fully participate in our programs and events. Please email us at
a2FtLWFjY2Vzc2liaWxpdHkgfCBpbGxpbm9pcyAhIGVkdQ== if you have any questions, or to request accommodation for an upcoming visit or event.
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KRANNERT ART MUSEUM
SUMMER SERIES 2025
JUNE
7 · Artventures for Kids!, 1–3 pm
14 · Girls Rock! Youth Songwriting Workshop, 1–3 pm
21 · Garden Walk, 9 am–4 pm
JULY
July 8–12 · Last Week on View | Making Place for the Arts at Home: Performance and Midcentury Modern Architecture
12 · Making Place for the Arts at Home: A Story Circle, 1–3 pm
15 · Erlanger After Dark, 7 pm · Carle Park, Urbana
19 · Knit & Sit, 1–3 pm
26 · Artventures for Kids!, 1–3 pm
AUGUST
9 · In the Studio: Printmaking Workshop, 1-3 pm · For adults
26 · KAM Fest 2025, 12–3:30 pm · For U of I students
28 · Grand Reopening Celebration!, 4–7 pm
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For events and exhibitions:
kam.illinois.edu
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