Morris Arboretum

Morris Arboretum
Type	Arboretum / Public garden
Location	Chestnut Hill, Northwest Philadelphia
Coordinates	40.0920,-75.2280
Area	92 acres
Established	1887 (estate); 1932 (public garden)
Operated by	University of Pennsylvania
Features	Tree collections, fernery, Out on a Limb, gardens
Hours	10 AM - 4 PM (varies by season)
Transit	SEPTA Regional Rail to Chestnut Hill stations
Website	Official Site

Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is a 92-acre public garden in Chestnut Hill, Northwest Philadelphia, featuring one of the finest tree collections in North America, Victorian-era gardens, and the whimsical "Out on a Limb" canopy walk. As the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Morris Arboretum combines scientific research with public enjoyment.^[1]

The arboretum preserves the Victorian estate of John and Lydia Morris, transformed into one of America's most significant botanical gardens.

History

The Morris Estate

John T. Morris and his sister Lydia Morris purchased the property in 1887, developing it over decades as their summer estate "Compton." The siblings traveled widely, collecting plants from around the world.

The Morrises were Quakers with a passion for horticulture, and they designed their estate to combine scientific plant collections with naturalistic beauty.

Bequest to Penn

Lydia Morris bequeathed the estate to the University of Pennsylvania upon her death in 1932, stipulating that it be maintained as a public arboretum and botanical garden. Penn has operated the arboretum ever since, expanding its educational and research missions.

Collections

Trees

The arboretum is renowned for its tree collection:

Over 2,500 labeled plants
Significant Asian collections (particularly Japanese)
Pennsylvania and North American natives
Champion and historic specimens
Extensive magnolia collection

Specialty Gardens

Themed gardens throughout:

Rose Garden — Historic design, modern roses
English Park — Naturalistic landscape
Japanese Gardens — Asian influence
Pennock Garden — Perennial display
Swan Pond — Water garden
Oak Allée — Formal tree-lined path

The Fernery

The Fernery is a highlight:

Victorian-era restored structure
Grotto with fern collections
Unique architectural feature
Cool, shaded environment

Attractions

Out on a Limb

The Out on a Limb canopy walk:

450 feet of elevated walkway
50 feet above the ground
Bird's-eye view of the canopy
Suspension bridges and platforms
Extremely popular with visitors

Garden Railway

The Garden Railway (seasonal):

Large-scale model trains
Miniature Philadelphia landmarks
Garden setting
Popular family attraction

Sculpture

Sculptures throughout the grounds:

Contemporary works
Historic pieces
Garden integration

Programs

Education

Adult classes in horticulture
Children's programs
Professional training
Certificate programs

Research

Plant science research
Urban forestry studies
Conservation programs

Events

Seasonal festivals
Holiday displays
Concerts
Special exhibitions

Visiting

Hours

Summer: 10 AM - 5 PM
Winter: 10 AM - 4 PM
Closed some holidays
Check website for current hours

Admission

General admission fee (check current prices)
Discounts for students, seniors, children
Free for Penn affiliates
Membership available

Getting There

Location: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill

By Public Transit:

SEPTA Regional Rail to Chestnut Hill East or West stations
Walk from Germantown Avenue

By Car:

Free parking on site
Enter via Northwestern Avenue

Tips

Out on a Limb can have waits on busy days
Spring (flowering trees) and fall (foliage) are peak seasons
Combine with Chestnut Hill shopping and dining
The Garden Railway has seasonal hours—check website
Wear comfortable walking shoes

References

↑ "Morris Arboretum". University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 30, 2025

External Links

[morris-1] "Morris Arboretum". University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 30, 2025

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