The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration

A close up image of a white orchid in a multicolored container featuring an abstract design with purple, blue, yellow, pink and white colors. In the background are green plants held in matching multicolored containers featuring an abstract design in pink, white, purple and gold colors.

 Photo: Hannele Lahti, Art: Phaan Hwong.

Escape the winter cold and step into a floral oasis with The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration. The exhibition highlights the numerous challenges facing wild orchids today and offers a glimpse into the work by scientists and conservationists to protect the future of orchids.

Description

The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration features 200 hundred varieties of orchids displayed in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard. The exhibition, organized by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration with the United States Botanic Garden, includes living collections from both organizations as well as a series of newly commissioned and loaned paintings and sculptures by contemporary multimedia artist Phaan Howng. Howng’s series The Orchids’ Fungi Garden Paradise and Mountains helps audiences visualize the future of orchids and be inspired to take action toward a sustainable future. Learn more on the Smithsonian Gardens’ website.

Visit SAAM's Garden Family Zone for more crafting activities and coloring pages that encourage connecting with nature.

Visiting Information

January 27, 2024 – April 28, 2024
Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m
Free Admission