A Stunning Example Of Adaptive Reuse

The Hay Barn stands as a testament to the rich history of Duke Farms and our commitment to adaptive reuse. This structure has undergone significant changes, evolving from an agricultural facility to an open-air sculpture gallery.​

Built in 1905, the Hay Barn was integral to Duke Farms' agricultural operations, housing a hay press used to bale hay into compact squares, essential for the estate's farming activities. ​

Designed by the Boston architectural firm Kendall, Taylor & Stevens, the barn measured 140 feet long by 64 feet wide. Its design mirrored the architectural style of other buildings, such as the Coach Barn and later the Farm Barn, featuring gabled roofs, spires, and buttresses. ​

In 1915, a fire gutted the Hay Barn, leaving only its stone walls standing. ​ 

Decades later, Doris Duke repurposed the remaining structure. She curated an outdoor sculpture gallery within the barn's stone walls, arranging marble statues. This transformation created a contemplative space where art and nature harmoniously coexist.

As one of the first nature experiences our visitors encounter, the Hay Barn has become a source of inspiration blending history, art, and nature.