Doris Duke created the Italian Garden to showcase her father's collection of fine replicas of classical sculptures, such as the "Three Graces" by Antonio Canova — at the former Indoor Display Gardens of Duke Gardens in New Jersey.

• The Duke Gardens featured distinct designs inspired by diverse cultures and regions of the world. Italian, Colonial, Edwardian, French, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Indo-Persian designs were juxtaposed near desert, tropical and semi-tropical environments
• In 1958, Doris Duke began a six-year process of designing and creating the display gardens, which she named 'Duke Gardens' in honor of her father. She traveled the globe seeking specimens and ideas to complete the gardens, which she first opened to the public in 1964.

• Note: On May 25, 2008, the Indoor Display Gardens were closed indefinitely by the Trustees of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.