Thousands of Orchids Dazzle the Senses at NYBG’s Orchid Show: “Mexican Modernism,” Inspired by Luis Barragán Architectural Design

The magic and beauty and glamour of orchids has returned!  The New York Botanical Garden’s (NYBG) annual Orchid Show shimmers with vibrant, eye-candy colors and fragrances for a sensory experience that triggers those feel-good endorphins. It’s just what we need this time of year. I was delighted to get a sneak peek at the press preview to share with you.

Now, I fully realize that reporting on a show like this begs to be all about more photos; less text. Not unlike the line from the film, “Jerry Maguire” ~ I hear you ~ “Show me the money, er, videos and photos!”  

I understand...

At the same time, there’s so much to learn. Orchids are fascinating! From their irresistible, incandescent beauty, to medicine, cooking, cocktail garnishes, home and garden decor ~ not to mention their sheer sensuality. Did you know that Victorian ladies were forbidden to own orchids because they were considered too sexually suggestive?!

So bear with me. I’ll try and balance things out.☺️

From the moment you enter the Palm House, you are caressed with blossoms, falling water from the Lover’s Fountain, and, walking through The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism, you’re transported to the magic of Mexico’s wide range of ecosystems, you learn the country contains more than 10 percent of the world’s species, making it one of the largest biodiversity hotspots on Earth. This includes more than 1,300 orchid species, about 40 percent of which are endemic to Mexico and central America. From the diminutive to the big, fluttery flowers worthy of a lei or head piece, orchids are mesmerizing.

The dazzling orchid display in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a breathtaking wonder. You can’t take your eyes away from the diversity of structure, size, smells, textures, and colors.

Here in this video interview, Marc Hachadorian, NYBG’s director of the Nolan Greenhouses for Living Collections and Curator of Glasshouse Collections; also one of the world’s leading orchid experts, and author, explains: 

Inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán (1902–1988), NYBG has created a paradise of tropical beauty.  According to NYBG, Barragán was a leading force in defining Mexican modernist architecture, adapting international ideas and trends using the organic textures, bright colors, and native flora of Mexico. 

At the Show you stroll among thousands of orchids, while experiencing the textures and forms of Barragán’s style with fountain features, colorful walls and lattices and many architectural follies. And music. Lovely, romantic, lilting music that adds to the magical ambiance. 

The show is truly a sensory experience. You can’t help but feel as if you’re in a dream … 

I was gobsmacked by not only the variety of orchids and their colors but also by the color combinations and designs that are curated from the Garden’s collections and on display at the show.

I was surprised to learn that this was the first time that the Garden’s staff coordinated its Horticulture, Exhibition, and other departments to create this year’s show (vs. bringing in a world-class designer to work with NYBG’s team).  

The NYBG nailed it.

Here, Marc talks about the collaboration that made this show such a success:

We all love firsts, right? First kiss, first in line. First is often considered the best. 

So, after the thought of this being the first show produced by the Garden sunk in, I contemplated another first.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I worked at the Garden when the first show premiered (gulp) 22 years ago and haven’t missed a show since.   

So I’m in a good position to note that, in fact, the Orchid Show has gotten better every year. I vouch for the beauty, the thoughtful displays, the learning, and fun of this year’s Orchid Show.

And if you are in the least bit smitten with orchids ~ everyone is, really. Admit it.  You must get Marc’s book: Orchid Modern: Living and Designing with the World’s Most Elegant Houseplants

Don’t take my word for it ~ Martha says it best: “Marc’s engrossing and beautiful book about his passion—orchids—is useful for all of us, novice and experienced orchid lovers alike.” —Martha Stewart, author, entrepreneur, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.🌸

Plus, “Orchid Modern” kinda’ ties in nicely with the show’s take on the theme: Modern.

In addition to the expansive variety of lush and beautiful orchids at the Mexican Modernism show ~ after all, Orchidaceae are considered the largest family of flowering plants (28K species ~ and counting) so there’s lots to showcase ~ this year’s Orchid Show also highlights succulents, such as cacti and agave. 

You are immersed in what seems like a gazzilion orchid flowers ~ notably, Vanilla. 

Vanilla originated in the Yucatan. In Mexico. And it has/had the cutest pollinator ~ the Melipona bee, that is now, almost extinct…

Did you know that Vanilla is the world’s favorite flavor.  

(And a protagonist in the novel I’m writing…  😉)

I adore all things vanilla ~ the orchid plant, vanilla essential oils, perfume, soaps, and vanilla art (I have a gem of a botanical vanilla rendering I purchased from the BBG Florilegium collection by the botanical artist, Monika E. de Vries Gohlke.)

While vanilla may be vying with saffron as the world’s most expensive spice, it is far and away the world’s most favorite flavor. It’s versatile and sweet and comforting. I make homemade vanilla ice cream all year long. What’s your vanilla crush?

The Garden explains that while true vanilla comes from the dried seed pods of Vanilla planifolia, there are over 110 related species within the genus Vanilla ~ each with its own distinctive flavor and taste. Just like grapes that make wine, no two vanilla beans are the same in flavor, aroma, or color.  Vanilla is anything but plain.  Diversity reigns supreme…  

Once in the Haupt Conservatory at NYBG, you set off on a journey where the fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry takes center stage amid awe-inspiring displays of orchids and other eye-catching supporting plants. The ferns. The moss….

You can wander through lush landscapes brought into vivid relief with thousands of flowers that showcase diverse ecosystems and rich Mexican culture featuring bright arrangements of orchids designed via inspired compositions. Please enjoy this rain forest video stroll.

You may be surprised to learn that orchids aren’t just found in exotic locations such as the tropics; they’re everywhere, on every continent except Antarctica.  And NYBG scientists are still discovering new species of orchids in the wild as well as contributing to the Garden’s ongoing worldwide orchid research and conservation. 

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Orchid Nights

On select evenings (February 15, 22; March 8, 15, 22, and 29; and April 5, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2025), Orchid Nights, called the “lushest bar in town,” are picture-perfect, romantic outings for adults 21 and over, featuring music and dancing, cash bars, and food for purchase among the sensuous color and style of the Orchids. For more information about The Orchid Show and

Orchid Nights, visit:

https://www.nybg.org/event/the-orchid-show-mexican-modernism/

The Photography Exhibit by Visual Artist Martirene Alcántara Captures the Essence of Barragán’s Colorful, Geometric Works.

In NYBG’s Arthur and Janet Ross Gallery, Mexican-American visual artist Martirene Alcántara presents Homage to Luis Barragán: An Act of Poetry, her series of still images captures the essence of architect Luis Barragán’s vibrantly colorful and geometric works.

Among shadow, light, and contrasting palettes, you can explore the inspiration behind the imaginative designs found in this year’s Orchid Show.

The Garden is offering a great variety of programs for all age groups and schedules ~ from the opportunity to learn about the orchid collections from the Orchid Experts to the Vanilla Sensory Table to shopping for all things orchid in the NYBG Shop where you’ll be tempted by not only the top-quality orchids from exotic specimens to easy-to-grow varieties but also orchid-themed products, including scarves, jewelry, and books. 

For more information about The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism and Orchid Nights, go to www.nybg.org/

The Orchid Show is the annual celebration of all things orchid ~ it’s our homage to this beloved flower. From our prom corsage to medicine to cooking, cocktail garnishes, and home & garden decor, the orchids on display ~ like so many jewels that would could make Tiffany turn green with envy ~ the Orchid Show is an affordable, exotic tradition and a floral inspiration.

Enjoy this special exhibit ~ it runs through April 27.

The Orchid Show is garden glamour at its best.