Central Park,
New York, NY The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC Biltmore Estate,
Asheville, NC Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park,
Yosemite, CA Niagara Falls State Park,
Niagara Falls, NY Stanford University Campus,
Palo Alto, CA U.S. Capitol Grounds,
Washington, DC Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site,
Brookline, MA

Celebrating Olmsted

Parks for All People

Central Park,
New York, NY

2022 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, social reformer and founder of American landscape architecture. Please join the National Association for Olmsted Parks, partners, friends and the public as we explore Olmsted’s living legacy.

Join the Celebration

Frederick Law Olmsted illustration by David Lee Csicsko

Frederick Law Olmsted

Landscape Architect, Author, Conservationist (1822-1903)

Frederick Law Olmsted was born in Hartford, CT, in 1822. Not until he was 43 years old did he decide to devote himself fully to landscape architecture. His experiences as a farmer, journalist for The New York Times, administrator and public servant all influenced his later thinking and career.

Learn more about Frederick Law Olmsted

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Celebration

Feature Event

Inspired by Olmsted: International Carillon Festival

March 16 – 20, 2022
Bok Tower Gardens
Lake Wales, FL

To honor the Olmsted Bicentennial, the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP), is sponsoring a carillon composition competition, Inspired by Olmsted. Carillonneurs around the world are encouraged to compose and then play compositions, inspired by Olmsted, throughout the 2022 anniversary year — especially at institutions with prominent Olmsted designs. Announced in 2021, the competition invites compositions for […]

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Upcoming Events

September 14 – 15, 2021

A Virtual Design Symposium and Flower Show: The Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted

University of Virginia School of Architecture
Charlottesville, VA  
October 4, 2021

FLO Jr. and Master Planning: What Cities Can Learn Today

TBD
New York, NY  
May 15 – December 11, 2021

Forest Therapy Walks at Planting Fields

Planting Fields Foundation
Oyster Bay, NY  
June 14 – 25, 2021

City Parks Alliance Summer Series 2021

Virtual
Washington, DC  
June 19, 2021

Prospect Park Sketch and Walk with Artist Nick Golebiewski

Prospect Park (meeting location provided with reservation)
Brooklyn, NY  
June 20, 2021 – April 26, 2022

From Seeds to Tribute Trees in Riverside, Illinois

Riverside, Illinois natural areas. See website for specific location for seed hunts each month. Botanical Boxes available through The Seed in Riverside.
Riverside, IL  
July 9, 2021

Designs on Victory: Olmsted-inspired Garden City Plans for Historic Dundalk

Virtual
 
September 1, 2021

Olmsted Exhibit

Virtual Exhibit
 
A sketch of the Olmsted firm’s plan for the campus Washington University.
October 27, 2021

Symposium: The Olmsteds and Campus Design

Duke University in DC: David M. Rubenstein Conference Center
Washington, DC  
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Get Involved

We invite everyone to be a part of Olmsted 200, the national celebration marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted. Find out how you can participate and show your commitment to our natural and historical heritage.

Recent News & Articles

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Spotlight on… Seaside Park

Shortly after the Civil War, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux transformed the lands around Bridgeport Harbor, Long Island Sound, and Black Rock Harbor into what is today – Seaside Park (Project No. 12021). Thanks to advocacy by Bridgeport’s daily newspaper, plus land donations from nearby residents, Seaside Park came to fruition. Most notable among […]
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The Department of Interior expands funding for urban public parks, focusing on the importance of green-spaces for underserved communities.
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Frederick Law Olmsted– Designing Rochester

Frederick Law Olmsted left an indelible imprint on the Rochester, New York park system. Between 1888 and 1891 Olmsted advised the Park Commission regarding land acquisition and designed three major parks. After Olmsted’s death in 1895 his design firm Olmsted Brothers provided design and consultant services for the next thirty years.
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