Van Vleck
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PLEASE NOTE

THE GARDENS ARE OPEN FROM 9AM -4PM DAILY.

Please review our rules and regulations before you visit the Gardens.

As a result of Covid-19, and to ensure the safety of everyone, socially distancing rules apply including maintaining six feet from other guests and wearing a mask at all times.

Until the pandemic has passed, the visitor center and bathroom facilities will be closed to the public.

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Rules & Regulations

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CONNECT WITH NATURE
CONNECT WITH NATURE

Events & News

Live Animal Visit with Eyes of the Wild

January 17 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM$15 – $20 - Online Only!

Meditation with John Welshons

January 20 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM$10 – $15 - Online Only!

Virtual Winter Garden Tour

January 21 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM$10 – $15 - Online Only!

Monday Morning Yoga

January 25 @ 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM$20 – $25 - Online Only!

Outdoor Adventures Family Program: Cold Weather Critters

January 26 @ 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM$10 – $15 - Van Vleck House & Gardens

Meditation with John Welshons

January 27 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM$10 – $15 - Online Only!
Page 1 of 41234
List of all events
In The News

Recent Reviews

Van Vleck House & Gardens
Van Vleck House & Gardens
4.7
Based on 362 reviews
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Carly Cohen-Bradshaw
Carly Cohen-Bradshaw
13:57 07 Nov 20
Beautiful & well kept gardens. Plenty of benches to sit and enjoy a peaceful moment. Everyone was... masked and considerate of others personal space. A lovely little oasis of nature.read more
joyce yang
joyce yang
01:44 16 Oct 20
Nice place to walk around, relax, and enjoy flowers. Not a big place but you can still find... something interesting to look at. Heard some classical music being played by professional musicians, it adds more feeling to my stroll there! 🙂 A wedding was being held there, good setting for the occasion.read more
Chloë Medina
Chloë Medina
03:26 13 Oct 20
A beautiful place if you are looking to relax and have a day all to yourself or with the company... of another! There are many different types of plants and species of trees and the wildlife is definitely a plus! You can honestly walk around the garden a million times and you still may end up finding something that you didn’t see before! The garden is completely free and so is parking! This is also definitely a good place for a first date, as there are lots of spaces to sit and enjoy the scenery! 10/10 would recommend on a warm summer day or a sunny and cool fall afternoon!read more
Rahel Hossain
Rahel Hossain
11:37 11 Oct 20
Very quiet and peaceful garden. You feel so relaxed after visiting this place
Yamilka Cancel
Yamilka Cancel
17:47 03 Oct 20
If you want to have a peaceful moment in nature with you or your loved ones, this is the right... place. Specially at the Tennis Court Garden.read more
Yulia Filatova
Yulia Filatova
16:34 29 Sep 20
Absolutely beautiful garden! Hidden gem perfect for family visit, photo shoot or picnic. Also, they... have Yoga and meditation classes right in the garden!(check website page for the evdnts)read more
Eric Halperin
Eric Halperin
22:48 20 Sep 20
Absolutely beautiful grounds and mansion. Loved it!
JDF
JDF
07:58 20 Sep 20
Nice well kept public garden
A Google User
A Google User
21:24 12 Sep 20
Beautiful landscaping. The flowers and trees are exquisite. Nice place for a walk and to bring the... famil.read more
Comert Comertogullari
Comert Comertogullari
22:22 07 Sep 20
It's a beautiful place to walk around with family.
Denise McCoy
Denise McCoy
17:17 07 Sep 20
Peaceful
marisa somma
marisa somma
17:11 06 Sep 20
Super cool place to bring kids! And it's free beautiful grounds
Abhijeet Kumar
Abhijeet Kumar
14:05 06 Sep 20
Nice and peaceful garden. Not crowded at all. Good to enjoy couple of hours of peaceful coexistence... with nature.read more
Archana Anandakrishnan
Archana Anandakrishnan
11:36 31 Aug 20
Beautiful gardens,well kept and a great escape close to the city. It's free, there is a small set... of parking spaces and street parking and plenty of varieties of trees and plants!read more
Suranjit Mukhopadhyay
Suranjit Mukhopadhyay
00:25 17 Aug 20
Nice garden in North Jersey! Most important...you don't have pay any entry/parking fee!! Please... feel free to donate whatever you can so that the 'free' thing could be maintained by trustee (?) years after years 😁read more
Oscar E Gillard
Oscar E Gillard
08:34 29 Jul 20
Loved this place. Had no idea it even existed. It feels like a nice walk in the forest where you... can spot wildlife in its true form. It's pretty big so next time I come I plan it to be an all day activity. By far I think the rose garden was simply amazing and the trails thru the forest. Make sure to also visit the museum inside and the house...read more
Roger Norton
Roger Norton
07:40 29 Jul 20
Love this place! it is a huge land that offers some cool gardens and mini forests, my personal fav... is the rose garden. Highly recommended for parents to take the kids.read more
Robert Bajor
Robert Bajor
16:14 26 Jul 20
An oasis of biodiversity in an otherwise mundane nondescript New Jersey suburb. Beautiful flora and... refreshingly manicured snapshots of landscaping and horticulture. Free entry and not crowded when I visited, definitely a place worth visiting for a nice walk around the grounds. 🌺read more
Jennifer B
Jennifer B
17:31 16 Jul 20
What a gorgeous place in Montclair! The gardens are full of hidden paths and little surprises are... around each turn. Interspersed benches give you a place to sit and reflect on the solitude or catch up on a conversation with a friend. The grounds are impeccably maintained. Although it is free to visit, be sure to leave a donation in the box near the entrance to help the Foundation keep up their good work. There's a small parking lot, so go early for a spot and to take advantage of a fairly empty set of grounds.read more
Ashley H
Ashley H
11:07 13 Jul 20
Beautiful lush garden is a mini escape in the middle of Montclair. Entrance is donation only. ... Lovely place to wander around for an afternoon.read more
David
David
02:04 07 Jul 20
My sister got proposed to here. Really pretty garden
Heena O
Heena O
01:28 03 Jul 20
A beautiful & whimsical garden not so far from the crowded urban spaces. Visited this garden on a... fine Sunday morning in June, there were barely 4-5 people present. They have a great collection of blooming flowers, serene fountain across the Education Center, a Greenhouse & a cute trail-like path running across the garden.read more
Meghan Reynolds
Meghan Reynolds
23:32 26 Jun 20
A hidden oasis in the middle of Montclair. Just a few steps down a trail and it feels like you're... transported to a magical world far away. The trails are kept pristine, and the gardens are bursting with beautiful flora and native fauna. It was nearly empty when I went, which made for an incredibly relaxing visit. There's multiple parking lots which keeps it from getting too crowded. Right down the road from the Presby Iris Gardens!read more
Drew Rowley 973
Drew Rowley 973
02:59 11 Jun 20
Van Vleck Gardens is located on Van Vleck Pl in Montclair it is a botanical garden and has tours... and other things to offer as well the tours are fun and the flowers 💐 are great 👍read more
Heather Campbell
Heather Campbell
16:18 16 Mar 20
Peaceful beauty year round. I love taking my daughter here for a little quiet time.
StediFilms Productions
StediFilms Productions
04:35 11 Mar 20
Very nice place. Can't wait to go back when the flowers are in season!
Adreso Diniz
Adreso Diniz
19:15 09 Feb 20
It's beautiful place. They're not open on Sundays. However, you can still walk around and enjoy the... place.read more
Ashish Satyabhashak
Ashish Satyabhashak
04:18 13 Jan 20
I visited Van Vleck House and Gardens in early January and enjoyed the walk in the Gardens. I will... be coming back in spring to enjoy this Garden. Good place to sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of this place. Admission is free to public and any donation is very well appreciated.read more
Peter Thompson
Peter Thompson
12:48 07 Dec 19
Beautiful estate in the middle of Montclair. The grounds are compact, but very pretty, with a wide... array of flowers and landscaped shrubs. This self-guided, walking garden is about 2 acres, I'd guess, and it is free to tour. It isn't large, but you want good footwear because most of the the paths are unpaved or uneven. Most of it is NOT wheelchair or walker friendly. There are benches scattered in the grounds with shady spots to sit on sunny days. This is one of those hidden gems, good for an hour or so, or to sit and read a book.read more
Tres Williams
Tres Williams
05:01 07 Sep 19
We are lucky to have Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair! Such a peaceful place to wander, enjoy... a picnic or relax with the family. They also offer a schedule of classes and workshops for children and adults.read more
Joshua South
Joshua South
15:59 28 Aug 19
Never realized how large the property was. Not to many flowers, but the green lush landscape makes... up for it. Everything is marked to read or you can have a description told to you over your phone. There is no fee, but they do take donations. Can't wait to go back in the spring to see the Wisteria on the house. If you want to see what a great estate home and landscaping looks like visit the Van Vleck House and Gardens. A beautiful home and gardens to relax and spend some time in nature and beauty. .read more
Tony P
Tony P
16:47 19 Aug 19
Smallish and free to visit botanical garden. Like other gardens I have been to the time of visit is... important. I saw only a few flowering plants on this visit but imagine it would be quite a bit more impressive during peak blooming times. Can't complain as it is donations only but expect you can spend an hour or two maybe here. Guessing they might also hold events on the grounds but can't be sure.read more
Vinny Desimone
Vinny Desimone
15:44 18 Aug 19
The Van Vleck House is absolutely gorgeous, the building looks so beautiful and the garden is... really pretty. They run classes through the Montclair museum and they raise butterflies to release in the butterfly garden. This is also open to the public so you can go and take a nice walk around and see all the flowers l.read more
Pete Thompson
Pete Thompson
22:46 15 Aug 19
Great garden for an hour or so. It's small, but packed with a wide assortment of flowers. We were... here in mid-August, so many perenials were done blooming. Still, they have lots of hedge & shrub specimens. There are lots of benches scattered throughout the grounds for quiet enjoyment. The house was closed to the public, but it looked pretty through the windows. The grounds are mostly flat or gentle slopes that are easy to handle for anyone who walks. My 90 year old mom was able to make the walk through the gardens with a hand to help balance her over some of the lawn area. The walkways were no problem for her with a cane, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who needs a wheelchair; the pathways are wide enough, but the cobblestones will be jarring to anyone in a wheelchair. Really pretty garden that functions entirely on donations and charges ZERO admission fee. Perfect for a quick visit and a small donation to help support them.read more
Thomas Roberts
Thomas Roberts
01:13 18 Jul 19
Beautiful scenic botanical garden with a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommend for... couples looking to relaxread more
Emma Germanotta
Emma Germanotta
12:25 05 Jul 19
Such a unique and beautiful place. The flower varieties are very vast and theres lots of places to... explore. There are hidden butterfly motifs around, including the way certain gardens are planted. There is a greenhouse for you to freely tour, and a piano in the van block house is often played while you browse the garden. Great place to be with family or friendsread more
Judy Ryan Hall
Judy Ryan Hall
22:00 23 Jun 19
I love the gardens. I've lived in Montclair for 21 years and went more often when the kids were... little. It was a nice place for our book club to meet.read more
Lisa Kondracki
Lisa Kondracki
21:23 04 Jun 19
Quaint Italian villa with sprawling gardens. Beautiful Chinese wisteria tree that's over 100years... old - it's amazing to see how it was trained to wrap around the pillars.read more
Jim Davis
Jim Davis
16:51 19 May 19
This place is a must see. Truly a hidden gem in Montclair. The mansion and gardens here are just... stunningly beautiful. There is such a tremendous variety of flowers, flowering bushes and trees, and other flora! There is a donation box located adjacent to the mansion, requesting a suggested $5 donation, but it is up to you. Amazing place!read more
Nathan Allen
Nathan Allen
17:48 14 May 19
A beautiful garden tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Walking around leads you to... hidden trails, blooming flowers, and bubbling fountains. Even on a gloomy day the gardens are sure to bring you peace and tranquility.read more
Esthefany Vidal
Esthefany Vidal
20:07 09 May 19
Beautiful green and a lot of flowers garden!! Peaceful. Great spot to read a book or study. Also... great for yoga and meditation is nice and quiet.read more
Next Reviews
Link to: Bloom List

This Week In Bloom

Autumn is here and it brings with it many changes to our wonderful gardens and plantings.
Click here to see what’s “in bloom” in the gardens this week.

Link to: Bloom ListVirtual Tour
DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE

About

Formerly a private estate, Van Vleck House & Gardens is owned by The Montclair Foundation. These private gardens are open to the public daily free of charge.

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Mission

Van Vleck House and Gardens is a nonprofit committed to the historic preservation of its early 20th century house, an exemplar of classical Mediterranean Revival architecture, and its diverse gardens, for the education, cultural enrichment and enjoyment of the community.

History

Three generations of the Van Vleck family lived on the property and developed the gardens for over 130 years. The main house that now graces the Van Vleck grounds was designed and built in 1916

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Nonprofit Rentals

Plan to hold your special nonprofit event or meeting at this gracious former estate. Unfortunately, we are not available for private events. Beauty and tranquility abound amid 5.8 acres of landscaped gardens. The main house provides a perfect setting for your important fundraiser, meetings or off-site gatherings. Views of the grounds are spectacular in every season.

More Information

Photography at Van Vleck

We look forward to welcoming your wedding party or family to a private photography shoot here at Van Vleck House & Gardens.
In preparation for your visit, please contact us to check availability, complete the application, and note the guidelines and fees that will apply to your shoot.

More Information

Support your community

Your Support

We are counting on you! Please join us in creating the Van Vleck of the Future

Your gift will help make this extraordinary property an enduring resource for our community and future generations.

Show Your Love
Van Vleck House & Gardens

Volunteers - We Need You

It takes a lot of hands to maintain the Van Vleck House & Gardens. We rely heavily on a vibrant volunteer program and are committed to providing hands-on training and creating rewarding volunteer experiences.

Images from the garden

Announcement

Our grounds are now open for your enjoyment from 9AM - 6PM daily.
Face masks and social distancing are required at all times.

The Gardens

OUR ADMISSION-FREE GARDENS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 365 DAYS A YEAR.
21 Van Vleck Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
Tel. 973-744-4752
{Limited on-site parking available. Free street parking.}

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Affiliates


Instagram

Don't forget to reserve your virtual spot for our Don't forget to reserve your virtual spot for our virtual animal show with @EyesofTheWildNJ!

Sunday, January 17th from 4 to 5pm

These entertaining instructors will introduce us to cool animals who are happy chillin’ outside in the winter. 

Registration deadline is Saturday, January 16th.
https://vanvleck.org/event/live-animal-visit-with-eyes-of-the-wild/

#goodgrowshere #montclairnj #winter #greatoutdoors #vanvleckprograms #eyesofthewildnj #coldweather
#whatsatvanvleck The Hydrangea quercifolia (oaklea #whatsatvanvleck
The Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) adds fabulous multi-season interest to our gardens. The foliage, shaped something like that of red oak, becomes colorful in the fall. Its dried inflorescences persist through the winter and velvety tan new twigs become  visible after the foliage drops.
Outdoor Adventures Family Program: Cold Weather Cr Outdoor Adventures Family Program: Cold Weather Critters
Tuesday, January 26th, 1 - 3:30 pm

Bundle up and come to Van Vleck Gardens to learn about our hardy "neighbors" who are out and about in the snowy weather. Our self-guided activity kits will show what to look for while you explore outside and learn about these cool critters. Designed for ages 4 and up but all are welcome.

Registration deadline is January 24th
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MontclairFoundationInc/outdooradventures2021.html

Sponsored by Montclair State University & The Albert Payson Terhune Foundation

#goodgrowshere #montclairnj #winter #greatoutdoors #vanvleckprograms
Begin your week with mindful vinyasa yoga in the c Begin your week with mindful vinyasa yoga in the comfort of your own home. We flow between postures at a slow to moderate pace, focusing on building strength in body and mind. This class welcomes all levels from beginner to experienced yogis. 

Mondays, now through February 22nd.
(no class 1/18, 2/15)
9:30 – 10:45 am
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MontclairFoundationInc/yoga2021zoom.html
Pre Registration is required on or before the Friday prior to each class.

#Goodgrowshere #Selfcare  #Togetherapart
::: CANCELLED ::: The registration deadline is TO ::: CANCELLED :::

The registration deadline is TODAY for our virtual Beautiful Edibles class Thursday, January 14th, 1 - 2 pm. 

Register Here
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MontclairFoundationInc/beautifuledibles2020-1.html

Whether incorporating edible elements into an existing landscape or creating a space dedicated to food production, these plants offer an exciting palette for the adventurous gardener. Explore the role of edibles in achieving beautiful design. There’s an edible for every garden niche! We will enjoy the delicious beauty of trees, shrubs, vines, annuals and perennials. #goodgrowshere
You do not want to miss this amazing opportunity t You do not want to miss this amazing opportunity to attend our virtual Winter Garden Tour! Explore the Van Vleck grounds with Garden Manager, Laura Roberts, from the comfort of your home and discover some reasons to come outside this winter. 

The event will take place Thursday, January 21st from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Register by January 19th - link in Bio.
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MontclairFoundationInc/wintergardentour2020-1-1.html

#goodgrowshere #montclairnj #connectingwithnature #greatoutdoors #vanvleckprograms #gardentour
#flowerfact Can anyone guess what kind of plant t #flowerfact 
Can anyone guess what kind of plant this is? Hint: This plant is not technically related to bamboo, but shares its name because of its bamboo-like leaves.  Bright red berries persist through winter. What’s your guess? Let us know in the comments below!

#Goodgrowshere #Winterbeauties
Could you benefit from specific practices for work Could you benefit from specific practices for working with fear and anxiety, and reflections on how to deal with our current “social distancing” lifestyle?

Join contemporary spiritual teacher and author Ramananda John E. Welshons for an inspiring series of evening meditation classes via Zoom. 

Wednesdays, now through February 24th
7:00 – 9:00 pm

Pre Registration is required on or before 1PM on Wednesday, the day of the class.
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MontclairFoundationInc/virtualmeditation2020-1-1.html

#Goodgrowshere #Selfcare #inthistogether
Don’t miss our upcoming virtual animal show with Don’t miss our upcoming virtual animal show with @EyesofTheWildNJ. These entertaining instructors will introduce us to cool animals who are happy chillin’ outside in the winter. 

January 17 - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Registration deadline is Saturday, January 16th.

Reserve a virtual spot for your family here: https://vanvleck.org/event/live-animal-visit-with-eyes-of-the-wild/

#goodgrowshere #montclairnj #winter #greatoutdoors #vanvleckprograms #eyesofthewildnj #coldweather
Do you have a preschooler who NEEDS to get out of Do you have a preschooler who NEEDS to get out of the house? Get some ideas of fun ways to explore outdoors together with our “Discovering Winter” Virtual Pre-K class.
Friday, January 29th, 1- 2pm
Our virtual Garden Discoveries classes are designed to inspire young children about the natural world around them.
To engage all types of learners, every class examines one topic through stories, outdoor exploration (done in your own backyard), and hands-on activities. Designed for kids ages 3 - 5. 

Registration deadline is January 26th.
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MontclairFoundationInc/kidsprograms2021-1.html
 
#goodgrowshere #montclairnj #connectingwithnature #winter #prekclass #gardendiscoveries
Our beautiful edibles event is next week! On Janu Our beautiful edibles event is next week! 
On January 14th from 1:00pm-2:00pm enjoy the delicious beauty of trees, shrubs, vines, annuals, and perennials. Explore the role of edibles in achieving beautiful design. Be sure to sign up for this event by January 12th. Register at the link in bio.
#goodgrowshere #montclairnj #connectingwithnature #greatoutdoors #vanvleckprograms #edibles
DOUBLE or even TRIPLE the impact of your donation DOUBLE or even TRIPLE the impact of your donation to The Montclair Foundation/Van Vleck House & Gardens! Check our link to see if your company matches charitable gifts: https://montclairfoundation.org/givetoday/ (link in bio)

Corporate philanthropic matching gift programs match employee donations, usually dollar for dollar, to an eligible nonprofit organization such as TMF.

#GoodGrowsHere #nonprofitlove #supportnonprofits #charityofchoice #chooseus #supportus #matchinggiftprogram #doubleyourimpact #themontclairfoundation
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Upcoming Events

Sun 17

Live Animal Visit with Eyes of the Wild

January 17 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wed 20

Meditation with John Welshons

January 20 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu 21

Virtual Winter Garden Tour

January 21 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Mon 25

Monday Morning Yoga

January 25 @ 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Tue 26

Outdoor Adventures Family Program: Cold Weather Critters

January 26 @ 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Wed 27

Meditation with John Welshons

January 27 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

View More…

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