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About The Bellingraths
Walter Duncan Bellingrath (1869-1955)
Though a native of Atlanta, Walter Bellingrath was raised in the small town of Castleberry, Alabama, where he got his start at the age of 17 with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. His first job was as a station manager, and his duties included sending and receiving telegraph messages. His old telegraph key sits on his desk in the Bellingrath Home as a reminder of those simple beginnings with one of the South’s most generous benefactors.
In 1903, Walter and his older brother, William, heard about an opportunity to purchase the new franchise to sell bottled Coca-Cola in southern Alabama. The franchise territory stretched down to the Gulf Coast, and when it was..
In 1903, Walter and his older brother, William, heard about an opportunity to purchase the new franchise to sell bottled Coca-Cola in southern Alabama. The franchise territory stretched down to the Gulf Coast, and when it was..
Bessie Mae Morse Bellingrath (1878-1943)
Bessie Morse Bellingrath was one of nine children born to Sewell and Alice Morse of Mobile. Mrs. Bellingrath’s early interest was in the arts, but practicality led her to be a stenographer. Her last job was with the Mobile Coca-Cola Company. She married its owner, Walter Bellingrath, in November of 1906.
Mrs. Bellingrath’s love of gardens developed quickly. The couple’s South Ann Street home was long admired for its extensive gardens and became the basis for Mobile’s famous Azalea Trail in 1929. It was her idea to start planting azaleas at “Belle Camp,” an otherwise rustic fishing camp. Her husband always credited her genius for the creation of Bellingrath Gardens
Mrs. Bellingrath’s love of gardens developed quickly. The couple’s South Ann Street home was long admired for its extensive gardens and became the basis for Mobile’s famous Azalea Trail in 1929. It was her idea to start planting azaleas at “Belle Camp,” an otherwise rustic fishing camp. Her husband always credited her genius for the creation of Bellingrath Gardens
The Bellingrath Museum Home
Until 1934, Walter and Bessie Bellingrath had been residents of Mobile, where they maintained a beautiful home and garden at 60 South Ann Street. When they decided to have their weekend property open year-round to guests, the Bellingraths realized that it would require a great deal of supervision. The couple decided to establish residency at their now-famous Gardens, which were beginning to receive national recognition
The 15-room, 10,500-square-foot Home was built in 1935 and was designed by the prominent Mobile architect George B. Rogers.
The exterior features handmade brick salvaged in Mobile from the 1852 birthplace of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont, who was a notable American socialite and major figure in the women’s suffrage movement. Ironwork was obtained from the recently demolished Southern Hotel, also in Mobile. The result was dubbed “English Renaissance” by Rogers.
Flagstone terraces, a slate roof and figural copper downspouts join with a central courtyard, balconies and covered galleries to give the Home a Gulf Coast flair. The architect wanted the visitor to think of the house as a home, not a mansion, and it is situated to give the impression of a much more modest residence. He also wanted the Home to reflect the architectural heritage of the region.
The Home was the most modern of its kind in 1935, but Alabama Power had not brought electricity to this remote area of Mobile County. The Bellingraths therefore depended on a large Delco generator for electricity until 1940.
Continue Learning
Find out more about the history and construction of the Bellingrath Home with our narrated video below.
The Bellingrath Home appears as it did in the Bellingraths’ era and is open for tours (see schedule). All of the Bellingraths’ original furnishings are on display to guests. Guests can enjoy seeing the “ultra modern” bathrooms of 1935, and the kitchen with its original appliances — German silver countertops and sinks — as well as the Butler’s Pantry overflowing with Mrs. Bellingrath’s collection of silver, crystal and china.
The Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain
The Bellingrath Home was adjoined by a guest house with a six-car garage beneath. Completed in 1939, it was built to accommodate the growing number of house guests invited to the Gardens by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. A small chapel was included in its design, as well.
In 1967, the open garages were enclosed to become the Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain and a visitors lounge. This fine American porcelain collection was a gift to the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation by Oliver and Alfred Delchamps and their sister, Annie Delchamps Moore, who were long associated with the Bellingrath family. Their donation of rare and early porcelain sculptures by Edward Marshall Boehm has become the largest display of its kind in the United States.
Edward Boehm started his porcelain artistry in 1949 after a career as a farm manager and veterinarian’s assistant. His deep love and understanding of animals of all kinds was translated into priceless porcelain sculptures featuring incredible detail and color.
In less than a decade, the Eisenhower administration had taken note of his unique American artwork and began a longstanding tradition of sending pieces of Boehm porcelain as official gifts to overseas dignitaries. Within a short time his work was being admired from Peking to Buckingham Palace.
During his lifetime, Boehm was honored by commissions from five American Presidents and his works were given to Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI. A duplicate of the crucifix given to the Vatican in 1959 is on display within the Delchamps collection.
Bellingrath is fortunate to house a collection which covers such a broad range of natural and beautiful subjects. Boehm’s birds amidst the branches of realistic flowers are a fitting compliment to the Gardens which surround them. As an art form, this collection represents the first successful American hard-paste porcelain.
Plan Ahead!
Annual Events and Programs at Bellingrath
We’d like to thank our Corporate Partners:
The Magnolia Café
Open for lunch, daily! Enjoy our rotating menu including sandwiches, salads, and a hot meal. Available every day at lunch, 7 days a week.
Hours for General Admission
11 AM – 2 PM
Holiday Hours
11 AM – 2 PM
4 PM – 8 AM
Garden Closures
The Café may have different hours and specialty meals for special events.
Parking
We offer free on-site parking during normal operating hours.
Individual Parking
After turning onto Bellingrath Gardens Road, follow the arrows to the main parking lot.
Bus, Motorcoach, and Camper Parking
After turning onto Bellingrath Gardens Road, follow the Bus and RV Parking signs. Spaces are available on the right side of the Entrance Building.
Handicapped Parking
After turning onto Bellingrath Gardens Road, turn into the handicap lane. Parking spaces are available at the front of the lot, located near the Entrance Building and marked with handicap signs.
Corporate Partner Levels
$25,000+
- Recognition in E-Newsletter, E-Newsblasts, website and social media for 12 months
- 125 One-time Gardens & Museum Home Guest Passes
- 8 invitations to members-only events
- 25% discount on one Facility Rental for Corporate Entertaining
- Platinum complimentary Belle Camp membership for Top Executive & family with special benefits package
- 10% discount for new Individual/Couple Family/Family Plus memberships for employees
$10,000
- Recognition in E-Newsletter, E-Newsblasts, website and social media for 6 months
- 100 One-time Gardens & Museum Home Guest Passes
- 6 invitations to members-only events
- 20% discount on one Facility Rental for Corporate Entertaining
- Gold complimentary Belle Camp membership for Top Executive & family with special benefits package
- 10% discount for new Individual/Couple/Family/Family Plus memberships for employees
Join Our Waitlist
Missed out on the camp you wanted? No problem! Fill out your information to join the waiting list or for further inquiries.
Special events that are free to Members
- Winter Wednesdays in January and February
- Wonderful Wednesdays in June and July (Includes Kids Gulf Discovery Day)
- After-Hours Garden Strolls in the Spring and Summer
- Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums Display in November
Special events that are discounted to Members
- Bellingrath’s Beers and Blooms
- The Easter Egg Hunt
- Boo at Bellingrath
- Magic Christmas in Lights
*Members received discounted admissions to Magic Christmas in Lights after 12:00 pm.
Special events that are not discounted
- Magic Christmas in Lights Preview Gala in the fall
Volunteer Opportunities Awaiting You
Directions from Nearby Cities:
From New Orleans
(I-10 East into Mobile, AL)
Take Exit 13 (Theodore Dawes Road) to US Highway 90. Turn right on US Highway 90 and then left onto Bellingrath Road. Travel south for 6 miles. Turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road.
From Pensacola
(I-10 West into Mobile, AL)
Take Exit 15A (Highway 90 – Theodore) to US Highway 90. Travel 2 miles. Turn left onto Bellingrath Road at the Bellingrath billboard. Travel south for 6 miles. Turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road.
From Mississippi Gulf Coast
(I-10 East into Mobile, AL)
Travel south on I-65 until it merges with I-10 west. Take Exit 15A (Highway 90 – Theodore) to US Highway 90. Travel 2 miles. Turn left onto Bellingrath Road at the Bellingrath billboard. Travel south for 6 miles. Turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road.
From Montgomery
(I-10 East into Mobile, AL)
Take Exit 13 (Theodore Dawes Road) to US Highway 90. Turn right on US Highway 90 and then left onto Bellingrath Road. Travel south for 6 miles. Turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road.
Hotels in Mobile, Theodore and Fairhope
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Candlewood Suites – Downtown
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Courtyard Mobile
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Mobile
Hotels, Condos and Lodging on Dauphin Island
For a listing of rental agencies on the Island, please click here.
Group Tour Policies
Required minimum of 30 individuals that are 5 years of age or older. Tickets must be purchased in one payment via cash, organizational checks or major credit card. Reservations must be made at least 8 days in advance. Prices are subject to change, unless guaranteed with a reservation. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled tour date.
Magic Christmas In Lights
DATE: Nov. 29 – Jan. 5, 2025 | Closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1
TIME: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Lights Turned on by 5 p.m.
**During Magic Christmas in Lights, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., members are admitted to Bellingrath Gardens & Home free. After 12:00 p.m. members must purchase Magic Christmas in Lights tickets at the member discount rate.
Explore the enchanting 29th Annual Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home—a festive paradise on the Gulf Coast. Wander through a dazzling 65-acre Garden estate adorned with thousands of lights. The Bellingrath Home adds to the ambiance with holiday finery and poinsettias.
Discover the magic of Alabama as our dedicated staff crafts each holiday light set piece with passion. Immerse yourself in the season’s sounds with live musical performances. Check out last year’s entertainment schedule.
Savor the festive spirit with delectable holiday treats and warm beverages. From seasonal delights to classics, there’s something for everyone. Craft lasting memories with family and friends against the radiant backdrop of our displays. Bellingrath Gardens and Home’s Magic Christmas in Lights is a cherished tradition that brings people together in the true spirit of the season.
Magic Christmas In Lights
Magic Christmas In Lights
Magic Christmas In Lights
Accessible Features
Gardens and Grounds
Paved Paths: Our gardens feature a network of paved paths to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. The Asian Garden has overlooks, but some areas are not fully accessible by wheelchair.
Shuttle Service: We offer a complimentary shuttle service from the parking lot to the main entrance for those who need assistance.
Benches: Strategically placed benches throughout the gardens provide resting spots for visitors.
Facilities
Accessible Restrooms: We have accessible restrooms located at the main entrance, within the gardens, and near the gift shop.
Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrance.
Gift Shop: Our gift shop entrances and aisles are designed to be wheelchair accessible.
Assistance
Service Animals: Service animals are welcome throughout Bellingrath Gardens & Home with disabilities as defined by the ADA.
Staff Support: Our staff are trained to assist visitors with disabilities. Please do not hesitate to ask for help if needed.
Rentals: Manual wheelchairs can be rented for $6 and scooters for $20 at admissions on a first-come, first-served basis.
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