The orchid show is back! The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is starting spring splendidly with the opening of the 22nd annual orchid show titled “Mexican Modernism.” Open from Feb. 15 to April 27, this celebration of floral beauty highlights the vibrant and unique designs of modernist architect Luis Barragán.
I attended the show on Saturday and was shocked by the hundreds of people in attendance. The freezing temperatures did not stop anyone from seeing the intersectionality of artistry, architecture and the natural world. The moment you enter the exhibit, you see an enormous neon orange rectangle covered in orchids. A smaller white rectangle intersects this gorgeous piece, exemplifying Barragán’s appreciation for stark lines and bold shapes. The structure floats atop the conservatory pool with a waterfall, creating the perfect tranquil ambiance to start the show. According to the NYBG, “water features, such as pools and fountains became common in Barragán’s work. The still reflective surface of water contributed to the quiet meditative spaces he strived to create.”
On the way to the main pieces in the center of the conservatory, guests had the opportunity to see different types of orchids dispersed along the trails. Some included the Oncostelopsis brazilian sun orchid, Oncidium tsiku marguerite orchid, lottery prince orchid, Lewis orchid and the Mango orchid. Although I loved everything, my favorite flower was the Phalaenopsis unimax moonlight, also known as the Green Apple orchid. It’s “brat,” dare I say. These pigmented plants ranged from soft yellows to deep blues, all showcasing the variety of orchids that exist.
As I navigated through the exhibit, I appreciated the educational aspects of the show. An abundance of informational signs lined the pathways, many of which illuminated the orchid diversity in Mexico. To my surprise, I learned that orchids are one of the most expansive and diverse plant families on Earth, living on six out of seven continents. The NYBG informed attendees that “Mexico’s wide range of ecosystems contains 10-12% of the world’s species…This includes over 1,300 orchid species, about 40% [of] which are endemic” to Mexico.
Towards the middle of the show, I loved the bright blue jacaranda tree adorned with orchids and greenery. This tree is common in Mexico City and is known for its purple blossoms each spring. Beside this tree stood a purple wall with an arch-shaped opening for guests to walk through. This was one of the most popular photo spots in the entire exhibit.
I was surprised to learn about the importance of photography for Barragán and his work as well. “Photography was a critical tool to market and sell Barragán’s unique aesthetic. He was keenly aware of creating spaces that were not only tranquil and beautiful, but that also photographed well,” according to the NYBG signage. Considering that “a large part of his legacy lives on in the incredible photos that capture his vision” attendees are encouraged to take as many photos as possible throughout the show.
After a few more turns, you will find yourself greeted by colorful window panels in the desert glasshouses. Unlike last year’s orchid show, this year’s exhibit actually infiltrated the structure of the Enid Haupt Conservatory itself. The vivid blues, reds, oranges, yellows and greens made the exhibit entirely immersive. These window panels were quite intentional as Barragán’s use of vivid colors is a definitive feature of his artistic style.
Known by the New York Times as “the lushest bar in town,” the NYBG also hosts several “Orchid Nights” from 7-10 p.m. throughout the season. These Saturday evenings in the Enid A. Haupt. Conservatory “bring Mexican Cumbia music, with cumbia sonidera dance parties featuring a DJ, professional dancers and a celebration of traditional tracks and modern influences that create an immersive dance experience,” according to the NYBG. Attendees must be 21+ and are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
Following the show, I stopped by the gift shop, which was filled with a variety of orchid merchandise. Out of all the postcards, pens and pins, the most popular purchase was a miniature orchid. The gift shop had a large selection of potted orchids ready to purchase. Last year, I got a pink orchid, and this year, I happily got to take home a yellow one.
This is one of the most beautiful exhibits at the New York Botanical Garden, and I highly recommend you visit this spring. If interested in purchasing tickets, visit NYBG.org. For more information, you can follow @NYBG on Instagram.
