Illinois Holocaust Museum Peace Garden

The Museum saw an opportunity for a Peace Garden on their grounds to provide a place of reflection and renewal after visiting the exhibits.  CYLA helped identify the best location, which took advantage of an underused narrow green space on the Museum’s west side.   CYLA created a sinuous curved path to contrast with the solemn, rectilinear façade and to invite visitors to explore the new garden on each side of the path.  Shade trees, ornamental trees, and perennials were selected for their varied textures and bloom times as well as their toughness to withstand an exposed site.  Curved benches provide seating, and five sculptural peace columns were placed at intervals along the path, each column etched with an inspiring quotation.  In addition to the Peace Garden, CYLA also improved circulation to the Museum’s main entrance.