Garden of the Phoenix

The Garden of the Phoenix is a Japanese garden within Jackson Park featuring a pond with stepping stones, cascading waterfalls, stone lanterns, and an arched wooden bridge over the water. The layout guides visitors along curved paths that reveal different views and create a sense of movement through the landscape.

This site originated from Japan's contribution to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, when the Phoenix Pavilion was erected as a gift to Chicago. After the pavilion was destroyed, the location was eventually transformed into the Japanese garden that exists today.

The name recalls the original pavilion that Japan gifted to Chicago in 1893, and the garden celebrates this historical bond through its layout and plantings. Cherry trees blossom each spring, making the space feel connected to Japanese seasonal traditions that visitors can witness firsthand.

The garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset and located near Jackson Park at 6401 South Stony Island Avenue. Parking is limited in the area, so arriving early or using nearby parking options along adjacent streets is helpful.

Where the original Phoenix Pavilion once stood, artist Yoko Ono installed the metal sculpture SKYLANDING in 2013. This modern artwork sits where a century-old gift from Japan to Chicago once graced the grounds.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1893

Address: 6300 S. Cornell Ave.

Website: https://gardenofthephoenix.org

GPS coordinates: 41.78639,-87.58278

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00