The New York Botanical Garden

We all know that New York is one of those places where you can find anything you could possibly want. You might be surprised to hear that in the north of the city – more explicitly in the Bronx, there is one of the largest Botanical Gardens in the US.

If you have already seen most of the well-known spots in New York and are looking to explore some other neighborhoods, the New York Botanical Garden might just be the hidden gem you were looking for. Here’s what you need to know!

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New York Botanical Garden: Facts & History 

The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is one of the largest and most renowned botanical gardens in the world, spanning over 250 acres of stunning landscapes, themed gardens, and historic landmarks.

Founded in 1891, the garden was inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens in London and has since become a leading center for plant research, conservation, and education.

You can explore highlights like the iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the peaceful Rose Garden, and 50 acres of old-growth forest—the last of its kind in New York City– and an enchanted waterfall. With seasonal exhibitions, events, and a rich history, the NYBG is a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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The Orchids Show in the New York Botanical Garden

A main characteristic of the NYBG is that the themes of the gardens and shows change regularly, always offering an impressive variety of plants and flowers. Every year in the spring, NYBG is presenting the Orchids Show in the beautiful Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which it is especially famous for.

We were lucky enough to be able to see a preview of the show at the NYBG media and press event in 2017, during which we learned that the 15th anniversary of the Orchids Show was specially tailored towards Thai cultural influences.

And indeed, we felt like we were in a foreign world – and not in the Bronx – because the entire greenhouse was beautifully decorated inspired by the Thai theme. The tropical and humid air creates the perfect surrounding for thousands of orchids of different colors, shapes and fragrances to blossom.

Thailand in New York City

Thailand is seen as the Mecca for growing orchids, as the climate is beneficial for the plants to blossom. There are over 1,200 native Thai species of orchids, which grow everywhere, even on the trees along the streets in the middle of Thailand.

In Thai culture colors and symbols are crucial – one of them being the elephant. If you take a closer look at the decoration of the orchid show, you can find many elephants among the plant arrangements as well as on the golden lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

They have hung up in groups of 9 always, which is the Thai’s lucky number and the lanterns are supposed to keep away bad spirits.

Thai Culture in NYBG

Another highlight of the exhibit is the frame of a “sala”, which is a traditional Thai pavilion, covered with stunning orchids. Other south-Asian cultural influences are also present in the form of shrines, which are put up for protective spirits.

Among the many details in the arrangements, you can find ponds with water lilies and even little pineapple plants, giving the whole exhibit a special atmosphere, which enabled us to escape the New York winter for a couple of hours.

For us, the NYBG Orchid’s Show is a paradise of colors and fragrances, very recommendable for nature-lovers. Yet another reason to explore this beautiful place: if you have a New York Pass, the admission to NYBG is free!

Tickets for the New York Botanical Garden

When you want to visit the New York Botanical Garden, we recommend you buying the tickets in advance. The ticket price starts at $35 for adults and $15 for children from 2-12 years. 

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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: The Subway – Take the B D 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd. Station. From that station you can either walk (about 20 minutes) or take the Bx25 or Bx26 bus to the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance.
• Option 2: Railroad – Take the Metro-North Harlem local line to Botanical Garden Station which is located directly across the street from the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance. A ticket is only $5 during off-peak hours and $7 during peak hours.