Shakespeare Garden

Shakespeare Garden is a formal garden at Northwestern University with eight flower beds enclosed by double rows of hawthorn hedges. A central sundial and stone benches provide focal points, while a bronze relief of William Shakespeare by Leon Hermant serves as the garden's memorial centerpiece.

The Garden Club of Evanston founded this space in 1915 and planted it in 1920 with over 50 plant species mentioned in Shakespeare's works. This deliberate selection reflects the early 1900s interest in connecting literature with garden design.

The space honors William Shakespeare through its plant selections drawn from his written works. This literary connection creates a unique gathering place for those interested in theater and classical literature.

The garden is accessible daily from dawn to dusk through designated pathways near Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. The flat terrain and open layout make it easy to walk around and sit comfortably in all seasons.

The hawthorn hedges originated from seeds imported directly from France and have remained since their initial planting. This botanical connection to Europe adds an international dimension to the garden's story.

Location: Evanston

Inception: 1915

GPS coordinates: 42.05670,-87.67610

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04