Spend the summer at Longwood Gardens with the new ‘Nightscape’ installation

With the departure of "Future Sensations," the immersive light and architecture display from building materials company Saint-Gobain, our nights are left a little more … well, dark. Not for long. Starting on Wednesday, July 1, when the sun sets at Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square), the best is yet to come.

What is it?
The nature-meets-art installation "Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective" will paint a visual and sonic landscape brought to life when the sun sets. The Philadelphia-based video and lighting-projection firm takes the gardens' entirety and utilizes plant life as the installation's canvas.

Spread over nine locations — including Rose Arbor, Large Lake, Flower Garden Walk, Topiary Garden, the Conservatory and more — "Nightscape" will take visitors on a sonic and visual journey specific to each locale. Klip Collective's projections will illuminate flowerbeds and trees into an otherworldly, living kaleidoscope set to orchestrations inspired by nature.

Drink up
Along with the exhibit comes a new beer garden featuring Victory Brewing Co. Three Victory beers will be on tap, including a signature Longwood Seasons: Summer Zest (a saison brewed using Longwood's own lemons) and Longwood Seasons: Autumn Harvest (a wheat ale featuring Longwood-harvested honey).

Every Thursday during the beer garden's duration, musicians will perform live from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Entertainment, too
The creative minds behind the project discuss technology, art, music and design with the creator of "Nightscape," Ricardo Rivera of Klip Collective. On Friday, July 10 composers for the installation come to talk about their contributions. Digital designers talk about what it takes to create a compelling interactive experience on Friday, Aug. 14. Friday, Sept. 11 is all about alternative storytelling. Finally, technology's impact on art and anecdotes will be discussed on Friday, Oct. 9. All talks will take place twice: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Families are welcomed for kid-friendly talks and a scavenger hunt from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, July 15 and Aug. 19.

What would an immersive art journey be without a little booze? Learn about plant-based cocktails from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16 and hear from Victory brewers about what Longwood-grown ingredients are in their signature brews from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

When can I come?
"Nightscape" is on view Wednesdays through Saturdays from Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, Oct. 31. Start times for the installation are 9:30 p.m. in July, 9 p.m. in August, 8:30 p.m. in September and 7:30 p.m. in October.

Beer garden hours are from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays from Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, Oct. 30.

The gardens close at 11 p.m. during the duration of "Nightscape." Special ticketing is required.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.