Stunning and serene, our gardens enhance the rich value of our campus. They promote botanical learning, wildlife preservation and artistic freedom — all while providing a convenient space for Bruins to connect. Let’s explore the most popular gardens at UCLA and discover your next hangout spot!
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden Two individuals enjoy a peaceful walk within the Botanical Garden, surrounded by lush greenery. Photographed by Khaled Al Duwaikat/BruinLife. Trail through the Botanical Garden. Photographed by Khaled Al Duwaikat/BruinLife.
The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden leads this list, of course, spanning 7.5 acres and featuring breathtaking plants from across the globe. Named after the late professor Mildred E. Mathias, the garden advances university research and environmental appreciation efforts.
The garden houses over 3,000 kinds of plants categorized by their climatic, geographic and thematic characteristics. A collection of native Californian species includes the state poppy and celebrates floral biodiversity. The Mediterranean Ecosystem section displays aloe originating from South Africa, cordia from Chile and eucalyptus trees from Australia.
The garden also has over 300 animal species, many of which are birds and insects. Hummingbirds and butterflies commonly fly through the area and amplify its natural beauty.
Visitors can experience a remarkable assortment of habitats with varying quantities of shade, humidity and vegetation. Ponds decorate the middle of the garden, and it is tradition for Bruins to find the turtles swimming inside!
Admission to the botanical garden is free. It is located on Tiverton Drive and is open every day of the week. Its tranquil atmosphere presents a great opportunity for Bruins wanting to explore or to simply unwind after classes.
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
A serene view of UCLA's Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, showcasing winding pathways, lush greenery, and artistic sculptures nestled among the trees. Photographed by Khaled Al Duwaikat/BruinLife.
An artistic metal sculpture stands prominently in UCLA's Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden. Photographed by Khaled Al Duwaikat/BruinLife.
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden blends delightful flora with a thought-provoking selection of artwork. Run by the Hammer Museum, it is named after Franklin Murphy, who was a medical doctor and the third chancellor of UCLA.
The sculpture garden exhibits more than 70 sculptures produced by Gerhard Marcks, William Zorach, Auguste Rodin and many other renowned artists. These pieces were primarily constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries, giving visitors insight into major cultural concepts of the time period.
In the sculpture garden, “Pensive” by Deborah Butterfield is a mesmerizing representation of a horse. Alexander Calder’s 1959 sculpture “Button Flower” uses sheet metal to portray a blooming plant. A steel work from David Smith’s “Cubi” series was developed in the 1960s and pays homage to the earlier Cubist movement.
The sculpture garden also contains lush grass for students to relax on. It is an ideal location to organize picnics or socialize with friends. Its intellectually stimulating sculptures form helpful study spaces too.
The sculpture garden rests in the heart of North Campus, tucked between the Charles E. Young Research Library and the Luskin School of Public Affairs.
Sunken Gardens
Royce hall(left) and Haines hall(right) viewed from the Sunken Gardens. Photographed by Khaled Al Duwaikat/BruinLife.
The Sunken Gardens, or officially Dickson Court South and Dickson Court North. Photographed by Khaled Al Duwaikat/BruinLife.
The Sunken Gardens, which are officially called Dickson Court North and Dickson Court South, further heighten the positive ambience of UCLA. Their intricate walkways converge in a center adorned with flourishing yellow flowers. Tall trees and additional greenery form a picturesque environment that set this location apart from the rest of campus.
The Sunken Gardens are “sunken” because the land significantly dips toward the middle. The awe of this resulting space is partly due to its uniqueness.
The Sunken Gardens create wonderful ways for Bruins to spend time and maintain relationships, especially during the beginning of the school year. Nice weather meets physical charm to evoke feelings of peace. Students can easily de-stress with classmates or read in shady patches of grass.
The Sunken Gardens sit in front of Dodd Hall, further east from Haines Hall and Kaplan Hall.
Well, there you have it! UCLA offers an incredible amount of natural beauty just waiting to be explored. The next time you want to learn more about the campus, hang out with friends or find a soothing place to study, visit these magnificent gardens!
