Longwood Gardens: 1906
Named after the year Pierre S. du Pont purchased the heavily wooded tract of farmland where Longwood Garden now stands, 1906 is a new fine dining restaurant that elevates Longwood's offerings in the culinary arts to the same level of excellence as its horticultural displays.
Rather than creating a free-standing building, the Main Reception Suite is carved behind the historic Main Conservatory’s original retaining wall to create 1906, a new restaurant and event space that overlooks the Garden. The new dining experience shares views of the iconic Main Fountain Garden and introduces new connections between the garden and Longwood’s visitors throughout the year.
Custom furniture, lights, rugs and fabric mural designed by WEISS/MANFREDI bring the tactile character of the garden into the restaurant. The basketweave design of the vaulted ceiling was inspired by the patterns created by the fountains within the garden and provide a high level of sound absorption critical to the fine dining experience. The rugs installed throughout evoke the color and textures seen beneath Longwood's tree canopy, and the fabric mural that translates the soft morning light in Longwood's meadow garden. Alabaster wall sconces throughout provide a soft-warm glow.
The Reception Lounge, a walnut lined room where diners wait before being seated, features a display wall with artifacts from Longwood’s history, a live edge-wood reception table, and informal seating. In the adjacent Bar area, the fluted walnut and granite topped bar creates a richly textured and welcoming space.
Location of 1906 and Lower Reception Suite on campus
Existing condition: A monolithic retaining wall
Existing condition
Exterior view of trellises
Custom fabric mural bring the tactile character of the garden into the restaurant
Selected furnishings were designed to feature wood harvested from fallen trees at Longwood, and were fabricated by the Challenge Program, a nonprofit organization located in Wilmington, Delaware.
Early concept sketch of the Bar