Free admission will be offered at our 80th anniversary on January 31. “Sharing the Gift” will be the theme of the celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free cake and juice will be served, a Japanese drum band will perform and there will be tree plantings, greenhouse tours, historical exhibits and more.
One of the Gardens’ most popular special events, “Crossing the Moat,” will give visitors a rare opportunity to walk across the moat that surrounds the Singing Tower for a closer look at the Great Brass Door. Designed by renowned master metal worker Samuel Yellin, the Tower’s imposing door weighs approximately 1,100 pounds, is 4” thick, 5’ wide by 10’ tall and features 30 brass panels depicting the Biblical story of creation.
In addition to carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m., special dignitaries will speak on world peace in a ceremony that begins at 11 a.m. “Gardens’ founder Edward Bok fought to bring an end to world wars by donating $100,000 when he created the American Peace Prize in 1923,” explains David Price, president of Bok Tower Gardens. “We’re honored to have members of the Bok family including former Harvard president Derek Bok and his wife Dr. Sissela Bok as honored guests along with many other dignitaries.
80th Anniversary Celebration Schedule of Events
9 – 10:30 a.m. Crossing the Moat
10:30 a.m. Japanese Drummers
11 a.m. - noon Commemorative Ceremony
Noon – 1 p.m. Crossing the Moat
Noon – 2 p.m. Meet the Artists: Jamey Christoph & Duane Hull
1 – 5 p.m. Greenhouse & Horticulture Complex tours
1 p.m. Carillon Concert
1:30-3p.m. Crossing the Moat
2 p.m. Tree plantings
2:30 p.m. Meet the Artist: Jamie Kirkell’s “Art of Silk Painting”
3 p.m. Carillon Concert
3:30-5 p.m. Crossing the Moat
Dedicated on February 1, 1929, the National Historic Landmark is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and Tower & Garden Gift Shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
