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Jens Jensen Has Major Ties To Humboldt Park, Find Out More At Exhibits

By Mina Bloom | October 5, 2017 5:19am
 A screenshot from
A screenshot from "Jens Jensen The Living Green," a film about the renowned landscape architect.
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Jens Jensen The Living Green

HUMBOLDT PARK — Fans of Humboldt Park have Jens Jensen to thank.

In the early 1900s, the pioneering landscape architect (1860-1951) completely transformed the park by extending the lagoon, installing rocky brooks, planting aquatic plants and constructing a circular rose garden with a perennial garden.

Though Jensen also redesigned Garfield and Douglas Parks, it was the Humboldt Park project that held special meaning for him. The internationally renowned architect not only lived across the street from Humboldt Park, but he also served as park superintendent and worked out of the building that now houses the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture.

As part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, Jensen's contributions to the park will be on full display at the museum, one of this year's six "anchor sites."

Historian Julia Bachrach curated one of the exhibits, which she dubbed "Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Living Laboratory." The Jensen-focused exhibit will be mounted in his old office.

The museum is also putting on its own exhibit, "The Humboldt Park Stables: A Transition into the Future," which will dive into the building's history.

Built in 1865 to house horse stables, the Queen Anne-style building, 3015 W. Division St., is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jensen worked out of the first floor.

In 1995, community members banded together to restore the building with the help of the city. But it wasn't until 2014 that the museum was able to officially open as a national museum, which has since gained the attention of many, including "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is of Puerto Rican descent.

A free opening reception, which will feature a panel discussion, is set for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 12.

For more information, visit the event page.