I don’t make it to the Bronx very often, but every New Yorker should go once in awhile. And I say the same to all tourists. You haven’t truly experienced NYC until you’ve visited all five boroughs. To get the most out of your trip to the Bronx, I highly recommend combining a trip to the Botanical Gardens with the more authentic Bronx New York experience of an Arthur Avenue Food Tour. After a handful of excursions to the Bronx, including Yankee Stadium, Wave Hill, The Zoo, Arthur Avenue, and a handful of teaching assignments in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Gardens is still my favorite Bronx destination to spend an afternoon. And if you can make it to the Bronx before this Fall, there’s an extra special treat awaiting visitors. As you wander through the lovely gardens, you can also experience the Chihuly Exhibit. The Chihuly Exhibit New York Botanical Gardens will be on display through October 29th, 2017.
There are 6 major stops on the self guided walking tour of the Chihuly Exhibit New York Botanical Gardens. I entered the gardens at the main entrance, the Conservatory Gate. This is also where the visitor center is located. You can certainly start this exhibit in any order and move in any direction you please. Just be sure to grab a map, and don’t be afraid to ask the wonderful staff at the NYBG for help, if needed.
First Stop: Levy Visitor Center
These three glass sculptures hang in the entry way to the New York Botanical Gardens to greet visitors.
Second Stop: Reflecting Pool, Chihuly Red Reeds on Logs
Third Stop: Native Plant Garden, Float Boat, Koda Study #1 & Koda Study #2
Stop 4: Sapphire Star
Stop 5: Blue Polyvitro Crystals, Mertz Library
(And OOPS! I missed a sculpture inside the building here! Honestly, I’m planning to go back at some point though!)
Stop 6: Haupt Conservatory, Sol del Citrón & More
The Haupt Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly sculptures in the garden. This was my final stop. I arrived just as the rain began to fall, which was perfect for this indoor/outdoor mini self guided walking tour. I didn’t arrive with a plan, but I think the path I took was perfect, saving the best for last. In the Haupt Conservatory, the exhibit was wonderfully intertwined with the pre-existing floral designs. Everything fit so perfectly and made for a lovely viewing experience.
See images from the Haupt Conservatory on the slideshow below, on my Instagram, or on my Facebook page where I have uploaded the entire album of all of these wonderful sculptures.
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What to Know Before You Go
The exhibit is on display until October 29th, 2017.
Standard Hours & Pricing
The NYBG is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Additionally, the gardens will be open Labor Day (Sept 4) and Columbus Day (Oct 9)
Weekdays
Adults: $23
Seniors (65+): $20
Students (with valid ID): $20
Children (2–12): $10
Children under 2: Free
Members: Free*
Weekends and Holiday Mondays
Adults: $28
Seniors (65+): $25
Students (with valid ID): $25
Children (2–12): $12
Children under 2: Free
Members: Free*
For more information on tickets and hours, please visit the NYBG Website.
Special Chihuly Nights & Pricing
Four your viewing pleasure, the New York Botanical Gardens will be open select nights throughout the exhibition to offer a glimpse of the beautiful glass sculptures lit up.
July & August
Thursday 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Adults: $35
Children (2–12): $15
Member Adults: $25
Member Children (2–12): $10
Children under 2: Free
September & October
Thursday – Saturday 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Adults: $38
Children (2–12): $18
Member Adults: $28
Member Children (2–12): $13
Children under 2: Free
*Excludes Sept 1, 2, & 8.
For more information and to buy tickets visit the NYBG Website.
How to Get There:
If you want to see the Chihuly Exhibit New York for yourself, you can take the subway, Metro North, bike, car, etc. It’s best to check out the NYGB Website to help coordinate your travel plans. The Moshulu Gate and the Conservatory Gate were most convenient for me during my visit. All of the Chihuly pieces are located between these two gates. I actually took the subway (using my unlimited card) to Arthur Avenue for lunch, then walked about a mile to the gardens. To get home I hopped on the Metro North to 125th Street for $6.75. They say Metro North is faster, but it really depends on where you’re coming from AND how well you know the buses if you would need to make a connection from the subway. I would use google maps to help figure out the best plan for transportation.
Sage says
Of all the active Chihuly exhibits, this one at the NY Botanical Gardens seems the most breathtaking to me. Thanks for sharing your amazing photos and experience! I added a link to my recent Chihuly post here: https://everydaywanderer.com/2017/10/09/chihuly-exhibit/
Happy travels, Sage