Exhibition Highlights
From larger-than-life mushrooms to an outdoor, outsized game of chess, a shimmering looking glass, and so much more, Wonderland offers plenty to explore. Learn about the artists and works featured in the show.
May 18–October 27, 2024
It’s unbelievable, it’s unfamiliar, it’s NYBG like never before! Wonderland: Curious Nature celebrates the beloved children’s story Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. In the nearly 160 years since its first publication, Wonderland has resonated with generations of readers all around the world who’ve identified with Alice—the heroine of her own story. Down a rabbit hole in a world very unlike her own, Alice presses forward with playfulness, curiosity, and an open mind, discovering her sense of self along the way.
Wonderland: Curious Nature transforms our 250 acres through the sights, settings, and scents of the classic Wonderland stories. Step into a colorful botanical experience that grows curiouser and curiouser as you as you encounter many beloved Wonderland characters, but rarely Alice herself. Her absence is our invitation to you to see the natural world through the fresh, curious eyes of an adventurer. As you fall deeper into these otherworldly gardens, mind-bending contemporary artworks, and gallery exhibitions filled with wonderfully weird marvels, we hope you’ll find your curiosity.
Here in this Wonderland, we’re all Alice.
From larger-than-life mushrooms to an outdoor, outsized game of chess, a shimmering looking glass, and so much more, Wonderland offers plenty to explore. Learn about the artists and works featured in the show.
June 1, 8, & 15; 7–10 p.m.
Enter Wonderland at dusk—a madly beautiful world! Join us to experience Wonderland: Curious Nature in a new light with a full cast of characters on the scene and specialty themed cocktails that make for the perfect evening out. And in a spectacular show of rhythm and delight, Thistle Dance invites you to let loose during the Mad Hatter’s dance party.
From our opening weekend celebration among the fanciful flowers of spring, to lawn games, tea parties, live music performances, and a world of costumed characters—Wonderland is full of fun to discover throughout spring, summer, and fall.
The sensory adventure of Wonderland: Curious Nature continues with culinary magic from NYBG’s dining venues. Linger over an imaginative meal or afternoon tea at the Hudson Garden Grill, grab a quick bite at the Pine Tree Café, and discover whimsical pop-ups sprinkled throughout the Botanical Garden landscape. Whether it’s a hearty meal, a sweet “unbirthday” treat, a savory nibble, or an inventive handcrafted cocktail, you’ll find something delightfully mad to whet your appetite.
Members get more at NYBG! When you join the Garden, you’ll get access to special discounts on dining and shopping, year-round access to our grounds and exhibitions as often as you’d like, and so much more.
Add a little fantastical flair to your selfies from the show with our animated Wonderland: Curious Nature stickers, featuring a few of the familiar faces Alice runs into during her adventure!
Use them on Instagram when you search “@NYBG” in the GIFs window, or find them on Giphy at the link below.
Major Support:
Wonderland: Curious Nature is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Generous support provided by Wolf Kahn Foundation and the Emily Mason | Alice Trumbull Mason Foundation.
Additional support provided by The William Talbot Hillman Foundation.