The Marin Art and Garden Center is an 11-acre historic property in Ross, California, that is open to the public free of charge from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The Center is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees, and is supported by its community, including individuals, foundations, and businesses who make financial contributions and sponsor events and programs. A small staff oversees daily operations.
Marin Art and Garden Center is a special gathering place that celebrates learning, growth and the beauty of nature; a place to be inspired, educated and entertained—or to just be.
Our vision is to create a sense of pride and connection among the people of Marin—and beyond—in this thriving gathering place of inspiration, growth and celebration.
The Center was founded in 1945 by leaders in the local conservation movement who wanted to save the property from development and foster a community engaged with the arts and gardens. Their vision included a variety of arts and garden groups, some of which still participate in the life of our community today.
Our resident groups offer a variety of experiences for visitors, ranging from theater performances to an historical archive and a playground for young children. All these contribute to the richness of the Marin Art and Garden Center’s engagement with the community.
With its gracious gardens, specimen trees, and water features, the Center is a welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy and a destination for learning. Year-round programs are offered in the arts, gardens, and conservation, including exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and family programs. The Studio is our historic gallery building, and the hub of these activities, with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and a sparkling setting for visual arts displays.
Our popular Summer Concert Series is a chance to enjoy beautiful evenings on the Gazebo Lawn with delicious food from local caterers. Special events like our annual Harvest Dinner gather friends to celebrate the season and provide valued support for our programs.
School groups use the Marin Art and Garden Center grounds for programs that immerse children in nature, cultivating an awareness and curiosity that will provide a foundation for lifelong engagement. The Center also hosts The Garden School, a preschool with the gardens and grounds as a classroom.
Marin Art and Garden Center is an ideal setting for special private events, including weddings and celebrations of life. Many local nonprofit groups and public agencies also use our facilities to host regular meetings and presentations.
Nearly 100,000 people visit the Center every year, for all these reasons and more. Your support will help sustain this beautiful historic place for generations to come.
We look forward to seeing you in the gardens.
