Buffalo, NY— The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Opened for the first time in 1900 and modeled after rare glass houses designed by Lord and Burnham, the historic Botanical Gardens invites the community to enjoy their annual Spring Flower Exhibit to kick-off the celebration of the historic milestone. As part of their celebration, they also invite the community to submit their photos of their families enjoying the Botanical Gardens over the years for a special project. The Spring Flower Exhibit opens Friday, April 4 and will be open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm through Monday, April 28.
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens opened in 1900 following the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted’s design for South Park. Frederick Lord and William Burnham of Lord & Burnham Co. were hired by the City of Buffalo to design what was originally known as the South Park Conservatory. The tri-domed design was modeled after the Crystal Palace in England and is renowned for its architectural beauty and recognition as a National Historic Site. Despite significant changes and threats of demolition over the course of its deeply rooted 125 years of history, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is on the verge of its most historic transformation to date.
To celebrate their 125th anniversary, the Botanical Gardens is asking for participation from the community to submit photos of themselves, their families, the plants, and the conservatory to celebrate the impact that this place has had on Western New Yorkers over the course of 125 years. Organizers ask that the photos be representative of the Botanical Gardens through any decade from its opening in 1900 to present day. Participants are encouraged to reach out to relatives and friends to go through old photo albums and submit the photos for a special project. Photo submissions can be made online through the online forum or via email to marketing@buffalogardens.com. Submissions are due no later than May 31, 2025.
In addition to the project, the Botanical Gardens invites the community to kick-off celebrating their 125th anniversary by visiting their annual Spring Flower Exhibit. Exhibit goers will experience fragrant hyacinths, vibrant daffodils, colorful tulips, and more seasonal favorite flowers. With over 30,000 blooming bulbs throughout the conservatory, the sights and scents of spring have arrived early at the Botanical Gardens. The Spring Flower Exhibit is often considered a tradition for many Western New Yorkers and gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy spring inside the warm conservatory while the early spring weather remains cool outdoors.
Visitors will also enjoy two beautiful art exhibits that celebrate the sights, colors, flowers, and pollinators that emerge in the spring season. A textile exhibit by Stitch Buffalo and a beautiful watercolor exhibit by local artist, Fritz Raiser will be on view during the Spring Flower Exhibit. Pollinators and Flowers From Around the World is an installation by Stitch Buffalo that features dozens of embroidery hoops. Each hoop was hand-crafted by the artisan women at Stitch Buffalo and was inspired by the flowers and pollinators of their native countries. Each hoop is available for purchase online and the exhibit is on display daily through April 28, 2025. Paintings from My Watercolored Soul is a watercolor exhibit in the Arcangel Gallery inside the Botanical Gardens that features vibrant florals and familiar scenes inspired by the Botanical Gardens. This exhibit is on view through May 4, 2025.
All exhibits are included with regular admission to the Botanical Gardens. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for students and seniors, $9.50 for kids ages 3-12, and kids under 2 are free. All exhibits are free for Botanical Gardens Members with ID. Tickets can be pre-purchased online at buffalogardens.com.
About Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that welcomes all to enjoy its living plant collections, breathtaking conservatory, and educational programming. Opened in 1900, the Botanical Gardens is located within a park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Support for the organization is provided by public funds from Erie County; the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; members; donors; and friends.
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