Orchids: Hidden Stories of Groundbreaking Women

Visitors can see several hundred varieties of orchids alongside stories of women’s history in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, which is shared by SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery. This exhibition was organized by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration with the United States Botanic Garden and features the living collections from both organizations.

Orchids: Hidden Stories of Groundbreaking Women unearths stories of women who have enriched our understanding and appreciation of orchids. Despite their remarkable achievements in art, botanical illustration, orchid cultivation, and scientific discovery, many of the featured women have not received the recognition they deserve. 

You can enjoy the exhibition online with videos about groundbreaking women, an interactive map of the exhibition space, images of the exhibition and its exquisite orchids, and fun activities to learn more about orchids. Visit SAAM's Garden Family Zone for more crafting activities and coloring pages that encourage connecting with nature. Beautiful custom orchid merchandise based on a watercolor painting by Mary Vaux Walcott is available for purchase in the Museum Store.