Big news for New York: “Chihuly,” a new exhibit at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), will showcase the work of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly from April 22 through October 29. This will be the artist’s first major New York garden exhibition in more than 10 years, housing about 20 installations.
Chihuly held a blockbuster exhibition at the NYBG in 2006, which drew record-breaking crowds. For that event, he made news with the development of his first Neon Tower. This year, he’ll present a new multicolor neon sculpture in the Conservatory Courtyard to take advantage of the location’s reflective qualities. He’ll also revive several of his early works, to be displayed waterside in the Native Plant Garden and Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Courtyard’s Tropical Pool, including “Artpark,” which he created in 1975. Another revival of his previous work, Chihuly’s Blue Herons, will be displayed within the Haupt Conservatory.
Also on display will be a group of Fire Orange Baskets, first developed in 1977, evoking Northwest Coast Indian baskets.
Guests will be able to learn about the installations with The Chihuly Interactive Guide, which will deliver content to their own handheld devices. Families can visit the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where kids will explore the connections among art, science and nature.
Nice Touch: A rotating lineup of performing artists and musicians will play at night, giving you a reason to return. Shopping, food and themed cocktails will be available.
Getting There: NYBG, located in the Bronx, is easily accessible using Metro-North train with service on the East Harlem line out of Grand Central. Parking is available at the gardens, which sits on 250 acres. Expect strong interest this year as well; Bank of America, which is sponsoring the exhibit, will run promotions, including digital ads on the billboard in Times Square. Visit nybg.org for more information and to obtain tickets.