The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden at The Museum of Modern Art

By Peter Reed
   The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden lies at the heart of The Museum of Modern Art. Designed by Philip Johnson and dedicated in memory of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., one of the founders of the Museum, in 1953, this urban oasis serves as a spectacular setting for visitors to enjoy art in the outdoors. In addition to seasonal plantings, reflecting pools, and masterworks of modern sculpture, numerous special exhibitions, concerts, and festive events have taken place in this memorable outdoor setting, making the Sculpture Garden a vital and cherished part of New York's urban life.
   This small-format book is lavishly illustrated and conveys the beauty and elegance of the Sculpture Garden over the years. It features a chronology drawn from the Museum's photographic archives, beginning with the garden's first design in 1939. Peter Reed, Senior Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs, contributes a brief historical narrative, accompanied by a foreword by Director Glenn D. Lowry. Includes 71 illustrations (37 color, 34 b&w).