by Have you ever dreamed of following the White Rabbit to Wonderland? Here’s your chance! Join Alice and her fantastical world at the magnificent New York Botanical Garden!
This enchanting place will surprise you with its new exhibition Wonderland: Curious Nature, which runs until October 27, 2024. Follow in Alice’s footsteps through this pop-up experience inspired by the legendary tale of Lewis Carroll!
A meeting with the Queen of Hearts in the rose garden, an afternoon tea experience worthy of the Mad Hatter, and a visit down the rabbit hole are just some of the adventures that await you!
A Montreal Rabbit in New York
From the moment you enter, you will be surrounded by the magic of Alice’s world. A 12-foot-tall White Rabbit, entirely made of plants and created by the Montreal-based company Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal, will welcome you to the garden!
As you stroll through the site, you will discover Alice’s universe from a new perspective thanks to several impressive botanical exhibitions. I loved the multicolored flowers in the Haupt Conservatory, whose flower beds are reminiscent of the Victorian gardens of Oxford, England, which inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice’s story.
Extraordinary Structures
The Botanical Garden doesn’t just offer flower exhibits! You will also discover other impressive structures such as larger-than-life mushroom sculptures and a reconstruction of the White Rabbit’s house made from mushroom-based bricks!
During your visit, you can also learn more about the origins of this beloved story. In fact, the site’s Mertz Library offers exhibitions focused on the historical context of this fairy tale. I learned that Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland not only as a children’s tale, but also as a commentary on the Victorian society of his time!
A Magical Afternoon Tea
I recommend ending your day with an afternoon tea at the Hudson Garden Grill, the botanical garden’s charming restaurant. You’re sure to feel like a guest at the Mad Hatter’s and March Hare’s tea party thanks to this magical experience!
That’s right, this isn’t your regular afternoon tea! The botanical garden offers a tea that changes color before your eyes! When you add lemon to Butterfly Pea tea, which is made from a natural plant, the blue drink almost instantly turns purple! This drink is not only out of the ordinary but also delicious! It’s the perfect way to end your adventure in Wonderland!
Pro tip: A fun way to explore the botanical garden is by trolley! The botanical garden offers a trolley service that covers most of the site, allowing you to easily discover everything the garden has to offer! Take advantage of this service to visit the Mertz Library and the Rose Court, which are located a bit farther from the main entrance.
Don’t be late!
