Oasis in Forth Worth: The History of Fort Worth’s Water Garden

Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, the Fort Worth Water Gardens are one of the most popular attractions in downtown Fort Worth. Having opened on October 19, 1974, the Water Gardens will turn 50 later this month. From the beginning, the Water Gardens have been a source of both calm repose and turbulence. Join us as we learn about this downtown gem, from its origins to its legacy!

Linda Barrett is the manager of the Fort Worth History Center and the City’s Municipal Archivist. Linda became fascinated with urban planning while working with the records of the City’s Planning Department. She is particularly interested in the various plans created for the City of Fort Worth by nationally acclaimed urban planners and landscape architects. This interest led her to the succession of plans that have been made for the Central Business District over the years and how downtown has been molded by them.