Art of the White River Gardens
Striking artwork and design features can be found throughout the White River Gardens, indoors and out. Art complements the plants along the pathways as you stroll through this urban oasis of discovery and wonder for all ages. Look for whimsical touches throughout the garden areas to brighten your spirits, too.
Learn more about some of the featured artwork and striking architectural design elements below:
Earth Stone
Eric Ernstberger and Dale Enochs designed a soaring limestone fountain that greets guests with the sights and sounds of nature as they enter the Indianapolis Zoo through the DeHaan Tiergarten.
Vining Mills
Eric Ernstberger and Jan Martin teamed up to build the soaring “Vining Mills” sculptures, inspired by the windmills that have dotted the Indiana landscape for decades. Made from gleaming copper and stainless steel, they also reflect different types of bodies of water in Indiana, from iron-rich lakes to clear, crisp streams.
Limestone Bricks
Can you find all 100 sculpted limestone bricks in the walls of the White River Gardens? Artist Dale Enochs created captivating relief images of animals, fungi and plants to blend the theme of nature into the stonework that borders the DeHaan Tiergarten. Take your time while strolling through the garden to view this whimsical artistic wonder!
Bronze Animals
Whimsical frogs, rabbits, birds, turtles and more serve as friendly guides through the DeHaan Tiergarten. These sculptures created by Eric Ernstberger and Jan Martin are sure to bring a smile to your face in any season!
The Four Seasons
Artist Amy Brier offers a delightful interactive exhibit in the Heritage Garden. Four 14-inch limestone balls each feature a different season in a raised design. Experience the joy of rolling out a seasonal pattern in the pedestal of sand found in the center of the garden!
Conservatory Glass
Artist Dave McLary brings the beauty of early spring indoors in these etched glass panels that grace the north wall of the Hilbert Conservatory. They can be seen either from inside the Conservatory or inside the Global Center for Species Survival.
Look for design features of the White River Gardens that enhance your experience and celebrate Indiana’s agricultural heritage and wondrous natural resources—right from the heart of Indianapolis!
- The Hilbert Conservatory captures the iconic look of a barn in an updated tropical plant oasis.
- In the Global Center for Species Survival, the Bud Schaefer Rotunda is a “silo” featuring 360-degree overhead immersive videos, and the design of the Hulman Riverhouse event space overlooking the White River pays tribute to classic riverfront warehouses.
- Look for the restful gazebo near the Shade Garden, which takes the familiar form of a farm silo.
- The western brick wall’s curved design at the border of the DeHaan Tiergarten mimics traditional Indiana three-rail fencing.
- Limestone—one of Indiana’s most famous types of rock—is used throughout the exhibit in sculptures, fountains and walls.