Garden of the Phoenix, Chicago (Japanese Garden)

The Garden of the Phoenix was established on March 31, 1893 by the United States and Japan as a symbol of their friendship, and as a permanent place for visitors to learn about Japan and experience Japanese culture.

Over the past 120 years, the site has endured through the highs and lows of their relationship, and today is one of the most important sites in America reflecting U.S.-Japan relations.

Jackson Park Map


History in Photos (1893-2020)
The Garden of the Phoenix was established on March 31, 1893 by the United States and Japan as a symbol of their friendship, and as a permanent place for visitors to learn about Japan and experience Japanese culture. Over the past 120 years, the site has endured through the highs and lows of their relationship, and today is one of the most important sites in America reflecting U.S.-Japan relations.

History Timeline
1893 | The Phoenix Pavilion is dedicated on the Wooded Island on March 31, 1893.
1935 | A Japanese garden and tea house are added to the site.
1935-1941 | Japanese culture is celebrated until the outbreak of war in the Pacific.
1946 | The Phoenix Pavilion is destroyed by arson, and the site is nearly forgotten.
1981 | The Japanese garden is reestablished.
1995 | Osaka Gate is added to commemorate the Osaka-Chicago sister city relationship.
2013 | Over 120 cherry trees are planted for the 120th Anniversary of the site. As the trees grow in size and number, visitors are enjoying the the Japanese tradition or hanami, or flower-viewing.
2016 | SKYLANDING by Yoko Ono is dedicated. The artist’s intent is for people to enter the 12-petal lotus that rises from the ashes of the lost Phoenix Pavilion and realize that world peace begins within each of us.
2018-2019 | Japan provides expert assistance with the framework plan and garden projects to support the sites reestablishment as a world-class site that is both a symbol of the U.S.-Japan relationship and place for visitors to learn about Japan and experience Japanese culture.
2019 | The site is confirmed on Peace Day as a symbol and call to action for world peace.
2020 | Site improvement, education and sustainability projects are being organized for next steps.