Four Columns
Landmarks, 2.52998
Four Pillars
Hedge Collection
1960 created
Located at the east end of The Morton Arboretum's Hedge Garden, "Four Columns" serves as a focal feature of the garden. Built in 1960, it was the last architectural project under Sterling Morton's chairmanship. During a visit to Vienna, Austria, Sterling Morton sent a postcard to the Arboretum's director which depicted the iconic Gloriette in the garden at Schönbrunn Palace. On the back, he wrote:
In 1997 the gifts from the Employee Giving Program funded the restoration of "Four Columns."
Per the recommendation of Sterling's daughter, Suzette, the Arboretum commissioned Arthur Myhrum to design the structure. Rather than taking inspiration from the Gloriette, Myhrum based his design off of four columns salvaged from the Potter Palmer House, which stood in Suzette's apartment. He also studied the columns of the Parthenon to design the aptly named "Four Columns" structure which stands today. Just under 19.5 feet tall, the columns were precast by the American Marietta Company of Franklin Park and are hollow with welded armatures. Their white color comes from the aggregate of Michigan dolomite on the columns' surface. When later asked about the "Four Columns," Suzette would say that they represented her grandfather, Joy Morton and his three brothers: Paul, Mark, and Carl.You know that I have always mentioned that the hedge garden needed some kind of architecture at the top of the hill like Schönbrunn. Well, here it is--maybe a bit large and ornate for us but the idea is good.
In 1997 the gifts from the Employee Giving Program funded the restoration of "Four Columns."
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