The Japanese Garden (Boston, Massachusetts)

 museum, park

Tenshin-en, Garden of the Heart of Heaven, is a 10,000 square foot contemplative garden located on the north side of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). It is an interpretation in the karesansui-style of a Japanese landscape garden by Kinsaku Nakane (Kyoto, Japan). His inspiration was a 15th century Zen temple garden.

This example of one designer's interpretation of the karesansui-style of a Japanese landscape garden is a good place to examine a personal interpretation among the choices of several Japanese-style gardens. It also is an example of how identifying local distinctions and plant selections can make gardens regionally deep-rooted.


Tenshin-en is open to MFA visitors from April to November, weather permitting. Visitors may gain a view of the overall design of Tenshin-en from overlooking second floor windows in the North Gallery.

www.mfa.org/index.asp