On Tuesday, Heritage Museums & Gardens—home to over 100 acres of gardens and woodlands, and over 1,000 varieties of trees, flowers, and shrubs—celebrated the grand opening of the new Barbey Family Welcome Center.

Located on the banks of Shawme Pond in historic Sandwich, MA, the site celebrates the landscapes, history, and cultures of Cape Cod and southeastern New England. Replacing an aging, undersized, and confusing facility, the new highly sustainable welcome center offers a gracious and intuitive experience as visitors begin their exploration of the site’s diverse offerings.
“The opening of the Barbey Family Welcome Center marks a new chapter for our museum,” said Anne Scott-Putney, President and CEO of Heritage Museums & Gardens. “This new space enhances our ability to provide an exceptional experience for all visitors.”
With discovery as its central theme, the 7,500-SF facility encompasses four small stone and wood structures: a ticketing entrance, restrooms, a gift shop, and the Clarissa S. Nye Visitor Services Center. Drawing inspiration from the existing Heritage campus architecture while remaining respectful of the local historical vernacular, the structures are playfully arranged to encourage visitors to explore.


“We designed the welcome center to seamlessly integrate with the landscape and heritage of the site while providing a warm, engaging entrance for all visitors. Seeing it come to life is truly rewarding,” said Kate Scurlock, Associate Principal.



