By Spencer Bollettieri
Whether down the rabbit hole or through the looking glass, the spirit of Alice lives on as the New York Botanical Gardens invites guests to Wonderland: Curious Nature. From May 18th to October 27th, the imagination of Lewis Caroll springs to life and blooms in the Bronx, bringing with it a collection of colorful marvels. With curiosity in mind, and whimsy at heart, nobody wants to be late to experience a serene green adventure like Wonderland: Curious Nature.
Alice in Wonderland Reimagined
Over a century since Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland first transported readers to a delightful world of nonsense, the NYBG found inspiration in the timeless tale. In collaboration with esteemed scholar and curator Jennifer R. Gross, Wonderland: Curious Nature dissects the life and times of author Lewis Carroll, exploring the myriad influences that shaped Alice’s iconic journey and its enduring impact on popular culture. Spanning 250 acres of diligently curated gardens and exhibits, Wonderland: Curious Nature additionally highlights the bizarre worlds of real-life plants and fungi to teach guests about the eccentric ecosystems that produced them. An offbeat experiment in storytelling, art, and science, there’s plenty to see, as guests wander through it all.
Your Adventure Starts at the Leon Levy Visitor’s Center
A self-guided tour, everyone begins their journey at the Leon Levy Visitor’s Center where guests encounter a 12-foot-tall rabbit constructed from plant life. Reflecting the iconic white rabbit that led Alice through Wonderland, it’s just one of many art installments visitors will see at the New York Botanical Gardens. Challenging perspective and enticing curiosity, the botanical bunny is joined by brilliantly lit mushrooms created by FoldHaus Art Collective, a house forged from fungi-based materials and other displays, including a piece from famed Japanese artist Yoko Ono. While not quite the infamous painted roses that colored the Queen’s gardens, the surreal art plays a vital role in making guests feel like they stepped into another world.
Mertz Library: Exploring Wonderland’s Eclectic Origins
For those enamored with the fairy tale and its eclectic origins, the Mertz Library holds numerous cultural artifacts exploring the iconography behind Wonderland, and how adaptations like Disney’s helped to popularize them. Or for the people more interested in the science behind the psychotropic properties of plants and fungi, an exhibit in the lobby provides insight into all the research being done to understand them. Although, overall, the library acts as a fitting place to ask why Alice’s adventures continue to enlighten, entertain, and resonate with readers well over a century later.
Horticultural Wonders Await at Haupt Conservatory
As to be expected, it’s the horticultural wonders that take center stage and make Wonderland: Curious Nature feel alive. Inside the Haupt Conservatory and the gardens beyond, among other wondrous sights, visitors will come across sprawling topiaries, creepy carnivorous plants, and vibrant flowers that look as if they could be gossiping. Using towering plants and impressive set pieces like a walkthrough rabbit hole, horticulturists immerse people in Wonderland, making them feel as if they’re growing and shrinking in size. Meanwhile, pots, ponds, and other fixtures make the excursion feel askew more subtly than most people would expect, allowing the gardens to feel amusingly off-kilter, but not overwhelming.
Wonderland Characters, Dining, and Gift Shop
However, a trip to Wonderland wouldn’t be complete without encountering its iconic characters. On weekends, guests may stumble upon Alice, the Mad Hatter, or the Red Queen, engaging visitors in lively interactions as they explore the NYBG. These enchanting meet-and-greet moments allow guests to become part of Alice’s story in a way meant to delight visitors of all ages.
As for dining options, Wonderland: Curious Nature offers a delightful array of tea-time treats and hearty meals at venues like the Looking Glass Cafe and The Rose Court. From a tempting selection of mocktails and teas to delectable finger sandwiches and sweets, each menu is thoughtfully curated to evoke the spirit of an unbirthday celebration. Moreover, for those seeking an evening of fun Wonderland Nights open its doors between 7-10 pm. This exclusive 21-and-over event, held on June 1st, 8th, and 15th, invites guests to dance like the Mad Hatter amidst staged performances and creative cocktails, promising an unforgettable journey into the fantastical realm of Wonderland.
While trips to Wonderland come with beloved stories and a chance to pass them on to others, the gift shop offers the books that inspired them. Additionally, various trinkets, teas, and apparel are also available for purchase. Although, for all the aspiring Mad Hatter horticulturists, visitors may also purchase living plants to take home with them, including various vines, flowers, and carnivorous plants from the NYBG.
A Curiosity-Fueled Journey for All Ages
A world between the magic of fairy tales and the enchanting science that inspired them, whether it’s a white rabbit in a waistcoat or an appreciation for flora, ultimately it’s curiosity that guides everyone to the New York Botanical Gardens. Appropriate for audiences of all ages, exploration, education, and imagination come together in an experience as unique as Lewis Carroll’s one-of-a-kind mind. With so much plant-populated ground to cover, guests can expect multiple trips to experience it all. Whether from its changing seasons, expansive grounds, or various events, Wonderland: Curious Nature typically offers something new for everyone with each visit.
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Commercial for Wonderland: Curious Nature
Explore More: Resources
- Website: New York Botanical Garden
- Web Page: Wonderland Tickets
About Spencer Bollettieri: As a biologist, journalist, and writer, Spencer Bollettieri has written for sites such as Screen Rant. Although mostly based out of New York, he’s traveled the world in pursuit of new stories.
Images by Stephanie Kaplan for ©Theme Park Magazine
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