Maybe it’s because I watch and read too much science fiction, but to me moon gates look like portals to another world. Perhaps to a parallel universe?
In some ways I am not too far off. Moon gates originated in ancient China and are traditional elements in Chinese architecture, acting as portals between gardens, as well as between inside and outside. They were mainly seen as circular archways in walls, but now are also designed as free standing structures.
Whether in a wall, standing alone, or in groups, one thing is true – moon gates welcome and invite. By their very design they encourage you to walk through and discover the mysteries that await you on the other side.
Moon Gate Sculpture
Prince Edward County is one of the wine-growing regions of Ontario. The Oeno Gallery and its 3-acre outdoor sculpture garden are located at the Huff Estates Winery. When I visited last summer, one of the striking pieces I discovered was this etched steel moon gate sculpture, by artist Jeff Gillmor, titled “The Portal: World We See.” This impressive artwork was at one of the entrances to the outdoor gallery.
Chinese Moon Gate Garden
Last summer I visited the Jardin botanique de Montréal. It has 20 themed gardens, including a gorgeous Chinese garden with an emeraled-colored pond and multiple buildings and structures.
I had never visited a Chinese garden before and was excited when I approached a bridge that led to a wall with a moon gate. The moon gate led to a walled terrace garden. The photos here were taken from the outside and inside of this terrace.
Moon Gates for Your Garden
Moon gate trellis arbors add mystery and intrigue to your garden and look beautiful year-round.
In the summer you can grow roses, clematis, and other flowering vines up your moon gate trellis to create a colorful and welcoming gateway. Wind string lights around the frame for magical, romantic evenings. In the winter, bare or covered with snow, they add structure and interest to an otherwise flat landscape
If you are looking for a sturdy and colorful arch the Gracie modern moon gate arbor comes in two sizes (80″ wide or 92″ wide) and in eight colors – aubergine (purple), berry (blue), cloud white, kumquat (orange), leaf green, oxide, zinc (light grey) and charcoal (dark grey).
Add several moon gates to create an archway or tunnel, encouraging your visitors to enter and explore what lies beyond.
This large moon gate trellis adds bold, sculptural interest to any outdoor space, offering the look of modern architectural art as well as reliable support for climbing plants.
Its circular iron design works beautifully on patios and courtyards, and creates a dramatic focal point or decorative backdrop for weddings or other celebrations.
Handcrafted from heavy-duty iron, the trellis includes long ground spikes for secure anchoring. A charcoal-brown powder-coated finish with a hand-rubbed finish adds rustic charm and durability. Designed by H Potter, it’s built to last season after season.
Dimensions: 64″ H x 64″ W
Blending garden architecture with sculptural elegance, this iron moon gate creates a striking circular entryway inspired by traditional Chinese design.
Standing more than 8.5 feet tall, it forms an inviting passage to your garden retreat. The built-in plant stands add functionality, offering space for seasonal flowers, cascading vines, or decorative accents.
It is crafted from weather and rust-resistant powder-coated iron and painted in a sleek matte black for year-round outdoor or indoor use.
Dimensions: 102.3″ L x 18.5″ W x 104.3″ H
The Eclipse Arcs moon gate sculpture brings modern elegance to any outdoor space. Crafted from heavy-duty Corten steel, this architectural piece is designed to evolve beautifully outdoors, developing a warm rust-toned patina that blends seamlessly into contemporary, desert, coastal, or minimalist landscapes.
Each sculpture is handcrafted in Colorado and built to withstand the elements year-round. Its abstract, circular form creates a striking focal point in gardens, courtyards, entryways, or beside a pool or pond. The design is freestanding and can be anchored using a hidden base, with an optional platform available for enhanced stability or display preference.
Dimensions:
- Large: 96″ H x 96″ W x 30″ D
- Medium: 72″ H x 72″ W x 24″ D
- Compact: 48″ H x 48″ W x 16″ D
Round Wedding Arch
If you are planning a garden wedding, moon gates make the perfect wedding arch. They are easy to set up and decorate, tall enough for the happy couple to stand under as they exchange their vows, and make a perfect frame for photos.
Simple and elegant, the white gold metal circle arch creates a beautiful backdrop for weddings, celebrations, garden events, or photo displays. Its lightweight frame assembles quickly without tools and breaks down just as easily for compact storage. Each hoop can also be spray-painted to suit any color scheme, making it an adaptable choice for a wide range of styles.
Offered in three sizes, this arch works perfectly for floral arrangements, balloon installations, or as a clean, modern focal point.
Dimensions: 60″, 72″, 92″
Perfect for rustic outdoor weddings, this wooden wedding arch offers a warm, natural backdrop that’s easy to personalize.
Crafted from sturdy 18mm plywood in a rich brown finish is creates a memorable focal point for the special day. Personalized lettering is available in white, bronze, or gold and attaches with double-sided tape, allowing flexible placement on the arch.
Two wide legs provide stability, and couples can choose from three beautiful shapes — triangle, circle, or hexagon — to match their wedding style.
Dimensions: 83″ H (6.9 ft) plus stand
Striking in size and easy to personalize, this extra-large metal wedding arch creates a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies, celebrations, or garden spaces. Sixteen double arc-shaped steel tubes and two sturdy bases form the wide, stable frame.
Made from 0.8-inch heavy-duty steel with a frosted coated finish, the arch resists bending, fading, and rust.
Decorate with flowers, greenery, or balloons for weddings, parties, seasonal displays, or use it as a garden arbor for climbing plants.
Dimensions: 102″ W x 88.8″ H
Moon gates are not only unique and striking, but they are like magnets for the adventurous soul.
Where will your moon gate lead you?