Opening on the 17th of May, 2025, at the V&A Dundee, the ‘Garden Futures: Designing with Nature’ explores the evolution of garden design – where creativity, innovation, and nature collides. From spaces of sanctuary to test beds for experimentation, the exhibition tells the story of how gardens shape our lives, communities, and the world around us.
Featuring a collection of design objects, paintings, textiles, sculpture, interior design, fashion, drawings and photographs, the exhibition will reveal the enduring allure of gardens influences artists, writers and designers such as Jamaica Kincaid, Duncan Grant and William Morris.
Highlighting examples of gardens by visionaries including Piet Oudolf, Mien Ruys, Derek Jarman and Eden Project Scotland, Garden Futures considers the garden as much more than a place to retreat, but an outdoor laboratory where ideas for a more sustainable future can be tried and tested. Community-led projects in Scotland including Oban’s Seaweed Gardens will feature alongside work by Charles Jencks and the garden designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd at Maggie’s Centre, Dundee.
Looking ahead, the exhibition will reveal insights into the power of gardens and how outdoor spaces can be part of a greener, fairer and more joyful future.
Garden Futures: Designing with Nature is an exhibition by the Vitra Design Museum, the Wüstenrot Foundation, and the Nieuwe Instituut.
