Open Air Theatre Fountains

The Open Air Theatre has been used since 1914 for theatrical performances, concerts, and garden parties. Inspired by outdoor theaters in Europe, Longwood's version has dressing rooms for about 100 performers beneath the stage, and an auditorium lawn that holds chairs for 1,500. The stage is framed with clipped arborvitae. Kentucky coffee-trees and Canadian hemlocks tower over the stage from behind. An unusual water curtain rises 10 feet in front of the stage during performances, which include all types of music and theater from folk and jazz to Gilbert & Sullivan operetta and Broadway musicals.

A much enlarged fountain system was installed when Longwood founder Pierre du Pont expanded and renovated the Open Air Theatre in 1926–27. Seven circular basins with removable covers were built into the main stage floor. A unique 10’-high water curtain, two upper level basins, and isolated roof fountains off to either side were also added. Beneath the stage are 11 pumps re-circulating 2,000 gallons of water per minute through 750 nozzles illuminated from below by over 600 lights in red, blue, green, white and yellow.

Noteworthy plants: American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum), white saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)

Schedule

The Open Air Theatre Fountains feature five-minute daytime shows set to music, from May 1 through January 11.

From May 1 through October 16, enjoy shows at 10:00 & 11:00 am, and 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00 pm.

From October 16 through November 26, enjoy shows every hour on the hour, from 10:00 am until one hour before Gardens close.

Throughout the Christmas season, beginning November 27, dancing fountain shows are set to holiday music once every hour from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. From 5:00 to 9:00 pm, continuous shows illuminate the night with vibrant colors and a glittering backdrop of snowflakes. 

Please note that the fountain schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to severe weather or performance rehearsals and set-up.