Surround yourself with tropical beauty in the heart of the city through April 9 as the New York Botanical Garden marks its 15th anniversary with The Orchid Show: Thailand. Thousands of orchids are displayed within a traditional Thai garden setting, framing the façade of an elegant sala pavilion—a serene, gabled-roof structure designed for shade and relaxation. Inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, visitors will also see examples of mai dat, a Thai horticultural art that trains and prunes trees and shrubs into imaginative, sculptural forms.
When the sun sets, Orchid Evenings invite guests to stroll along illuminated, flower-lined paths accompanied by live music, creating a relaxed and atmospheric experience. Weekend programming includes performances of Magical Thailand – A Journey by the Somapa Thai Dance Company on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Based in Washington, D.C., the company brings Thailand to life through classical and regional folk dances that showcase the country’s cultural richness.
On April 1, the public can attend Orchid Talks: The Secret Lives of Orchids, featuring Matthew Pace, Ph.D., assistant curator of the Herbarium at The New York Botanical Garden. His lecture—Rotting Meat, Jewels, and Venus’ Slippers: The Orchids of Southeast Asia—explores the fascinating diversity and ecological strategies of orchids across the region.
To complement the visual and cultural presentations, Thai-inspired dishes are available throughout the exhibition at on-site dining venues such as the Hudson Garden Grill and the Pine Tree Café, allowing visitors to round out their visit with seasonal flavors inspired by the show.
Whether you come for the spectacular displays, the evening ambiance, the cultural performances, or the expert talks, The Orchid Show: Thailand offers a vibrant, immersive celebration of orchids and Thai tradition that appeals to gardeners, art lovers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape in the city.