We all know that New York is one of the places where you can find anything you might want. You might be surprised to hear that in the north of the city – more explicitly in the Bronx, is one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States.
If you’ve seen most of the famous attractions in New York and are looking to explore other communities, the New York Botanical Garden may just be the hidden gem you want. This is what you need to know!
Ticket information
New York Botanical Garden
Too many?
- Best time to visit: Not only is it less busy during the weekdays, but the tickets are also cheaper than on weekends.
- Tickets: We always recommend buying tickets in advance. you can Buy tickets online.
- Save money and tips: NYBG is included in most NYC attractive passes. Try our free PASS Consultant in New York Find the perfect pass for you.
New York Botanical Garden: Facts and History
The New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx is one of the largest and most famous botanical gardens in the world, covering 250 acres of stunning landscapes, theme gardens and historic landmarks.
Founded in 1891, the garden was inspired by the Royal Botanical Gardens in London and has since become a leading centre for plant research, conservation and education.
You can explore highlights like the iconic Enid A. Haupt Music Academy, tranquil rose gardens and 50 acres of old growth forests (the last piece of New York City). With seasonal exhibitions, events and rich history, NYBG is a must-visit for nature lovers and history lovers.
Orchid show at the New York Botanical Garden
The main feature of NYBG is that the theme of the garden changes regularly and always provides impressive plants and flowers. Every spring, NYBG introduces orchid performances at the beautiful Enid A. Haupt Conservatory of Music, which is particularly famous.
We were lucky to see a preview of the show in the NYBG media and press release in 2017, during which time we learned that the 15th anniversary of the Orchid Show was specially tailored to the Thai cultural influence.
Indeed, we feel like we are in the foreign world – not Bronx – Because the decoration of the entire greenhouse is inspired by the Thai theme. Tropical and humid air creates perfect surroundings for thousands of different colors, shapes and perfume blooming orchids.
Thailand in New York City
Thailand is regarded as a holy place for growing orchids because the climate is beneficial to plant flowering. There are over 1,200 species of Thai orchids, and they grow everywhere even on the streets of central Thailand.
In Thai culture, colors and symbols are crucial – one of them is the elephant. If you look closely at the decoration of the orchid show, you can find many elephants in the botanical arrangements as well as in the golden lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
They always hang up the phone in the form of 9 people, which is a lucky number in Thailand, and the lantern should avoid mental shock.
NYBG’s Thai Culture
Another highlight of the exhibition is the frame of “Sarah”, a traditional Thai gazebo covered with stunning orchids. Other South Asian cultural influences also exist in the form of shrines, which is to protect the spirit.
Among the many details in the arrangement, you can find ponds with water lilies and even fewer pineapple plants, giving the entire exhibition a special atmosphere, which allows us to escape from New York winter for hours.
For us, the NYBG Orchid show is a paradise for colors and perfume, perfect for nature lovers. Another reason to explore this beautiful place is: If you have a New York pass, you can accept NYBG for free!
Tickets to the New York Botanical Garden
When you want to visit the New York Botanical Gardens, we recommend you purchase tickets in advance. Adult tickets are $35 and children aged 2-12 are $15.
How to get there
The New York Botanical Garden is located in the Bronx (2900 Southern Blvd), and you have different options to get there.
- Option 1: Subway – take train Bedford Park Avenue. station. From this station you can walk (about 20 minutes) or take the BX25 or BX26 bus to the Mosholu entrance of the garden.
- Option 2: Rail – take Metro-North Harlem Local Line to Botanical Garden It is located across the street from the entrance to Mosholu in the garden. During off-peak hours, tickets are only $5 and peak hours are $7.
My tips
Save some money!
Do you want to visit the New York Botanical Gardens and other popular attractions in New York City without spending too much money? I have good news for you: NYBG is included in most New York Attraction Passes! Check out my New York Pass comparison to find the one that works best for you!
