Inspired by the success of the Italian Water Garden and Open Air Theatre fountains, Pierre S. du Pont unveiled the Main Fountain Garden in 1931 with the goal of rivaling fountains he had seen in Europe and at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. From this inspiration, he created the Main Fountain Garden as one of the most impressive fountain gardens in the world. Major garden components, including boxwood and maple species, were planted from 1921 to 1928, and major architectural components were constructed from 1929 to 1936. In 1958, a huge snow storm damaged the boxwood, changing the look of the garden for years to come. In 1970, a new fountain control system was installed, the Eye of Water was built, and significant plumbing replacement, concrete repairs, and an extension of the balustrade followed. In the 1980s, fireworks and music were added and a fountain computer control system was integrated for the first time. In the 1990s, concerns over the safety of deteriorating stonework led to a number of water features being turned off and partitions being installed to limit access to several areas. In 2009, a master planning process began, and the final version submitted in 2011 identified the Main Fountain Garden as the highest priority legacy project. Planning and design for New Heights: The Fountain Revitalization Project began in 2012, construction began in 2014, and the Main Fountain Garden reopened in summer 2017. Colvin Randall, P.S. du Pont Fellow at Longwood Gardens, said Pierre S. du Pont created a 'wow' factor with the Main Fountain Garden because he wanted people to be amazed by its color, drama, and grandeur.
