Celebrate Chicago Botanic Garden's 50th birthday with 'Flourish: The Garden at 50'

The Garden is celebrating its special birthday with art, interactive performances, and a special exhibit in the Greenhouse Galleries.

The RookeryPhoto by Patrick Dougherty courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden

(CHICAGO) From May 13th to September 25th, the Chicago Botanic Garden will be celebrating 50 years with special events.

Flourish: The Garden at 50 will include experiences such as art installations, interactive performances, and an exhibition in the Greenhouse Galleries which will take visitors back in time and to the future.

"The Garden is thriving due to the commitment of our members, visitors, and program participants over the last 50 years," Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president of Visitor Events and Programs, stated in a press release. "We are excited for everyone to join our joyous birthday celebration."

What's happening with 'Flourish: The Garden at 50'?

Ten art exhibits made by national, international, and local Chicago artists will be installed on the Glencoe campus and Windy City Harvest's Farm on Ogden to connect "people with nature in new ways."

You can see a preview of the artists here.

Also, keep an eye out for interactive performances found throughout the gardens and special pop-up events.

Symbiosis by Sam KirkPhoto courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

About the Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden, located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, IL, opened 50 years ago and has grown to include 28 gardens and four natural areas in 385 acres of land, including six miles of lake shoreline.

Jean Franczyk, the Garden's president and chief executive officer, explained, "What began as an ambitious vision to have Chicago's own public garden is now 28 gardens and four natural areas in Glencoe, 16 community garden and farm sites in Chicago and Lake County, and dozens of conservation and restoration research sites around the country," she said. "We are thankful to all who have shown up for nature, supported our conservation mission, and inspired us to keep imagining a future where people and planet thrive."

Spring at the Garden

You can check out which spring blooms are on full display currently here. Bloom highlights include the fragrant snowdrops and magnolias.

Some of the best spots to enjoy a spring day include the Sensory Garden, Circle Garden, Lakeside Gardens, and the Malott Japanese Garden.

The Malott Japanese GardenPhoto courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

The Circle GardenPhoto courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

Admission details

Get the best pricing by buying admission tickets here in advance. Parking is $8 and can be purchased in advance as well. Tickets include admission to exhibits such as the Grand Tram Tour, Model Railroad Garden, and Butterflies & blooms.

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