In 2015, Historic Seattle recognized the Dunn Gardens with a “Preserving Historic Landscapes” Award acknowledging the respectful stewardship of this outstanding domestic work by the Olmsted Brothers for Arthur Dunn. Seattle residents and visitors continue to enjoy this extraordinary setting thanks to Dunn’s watchful eye and that of his son, Edward Dunn, who left an endowment for the garden’s preservation. The stewardship mission of the Dunn Historic Garden Trust has been supported by long-time gardener/curators, Glenn Withey and Charles Price, and a cadre of dedicated volunteers. In 2016, the Gardens received a “Preserve America Stewards” Award presented by First Lady Michelle Obama. Executive Director Beth Weir invites us to explore the garden with its new curator, Quill Teal-Sullivan, during one of its most colorful seasons.

The Olmsted firm’s comprehensive park and boulevard system plan of 1903 and its execution for the City of Seattle, as well as its design of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition grounds in 1909, led to the firm’s commissions to lay out the exclusive Highlands residential development, as well as many private commissions in that development and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Some of these estates have preserved their work, and some have radically changed them over time. All are private. The Dunn Gardens has gone to great lengths to maintain the intent and integrity of the initial design for the benefit of the public.

Please note that this property has uneven pavements and plantings and is not completely accessible; on-site parking is limited.

This program is SOLD OUT.