Blog

Jul 31, 2023

'Myths, Magic, and Monsters' to open at New England Botanic Garden

"Myths, Magic, and Monsters" at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill will invite visitors to a world of wonder, as part of the garden transforms to host mythical creatures such as unicorns,

"Myths, Magic, and Monsters" at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill will invite visitors to a world of wonder, as part of the garden transforms to host mythical creatures such as unicorns, dragons, trolls, and fairies.

The exhibition, which opens Sept. 1 and runs through Oct. 31, will be accompanied by special events, and will be featured in the garden's "Magic by Moonlight" series later in the fall.

"Myths, Magic, and Monsters" will be set in The Ramble, a 1.5-acre garden space designed for children and families.

“Whimsical and extremely wonder-inspiring, The Ramble offers the perfect backdrop for this exhibition,” said Marissa Gallant, New England Botanic Garden's director of education, in an announcement about the exhibition.

Lea Morgan, exhibitions manager at New England Botanic Garden and the artist responsible for the vision of "Myths, Magic, and Monsters," said the exhibition celebrates the sense of wonder people find in nature this time of year. “For this exhibition, we’ve constructed a mythical, autumnal garden where recognizable creatures from fantasy and folklore emerge with a colorful, botanical twist,” Morgan said.

More:THT Rep's season will include 'The Glass Menagerie,' Poe, and Shakespeare and his 'sister'

More:All-Star Comedy Night will benefit foundation in honor of Enmanuel Familia

More:Sarah Connell Sanders: Bruce Springsteen proves he's one of the last true living rock stars

Throughout the year, The Ramble hosts educational programs, including nature-based drop-in activities for children. “Whether designing programs for the young or young at heart, our aim is always to create experiences that spark people’s curiosity about the natural world, and inspire them to learn more and do more to protect it,” Gallant said.

While "Myths, Magic, and Monsters" is on display, there will be magic-inspired educational programs for children, families, and adults such as a plant potions class, fairy house making workshops, and a botanical mixology class.

On select Friday and Saturday evenings from Sept. 29 to Oct. 28, the exhibit will be part of "Magic by Moonlight," a ticket event series. At this time,"Myths, Magic, and Monsters" will feature dazzling light displays and illuminated, enchanted beings. The family-friendly evening events include activities, atmospheric music, and real-life folklore friends.

More:Terror template: Film explores Spooky World as the original Halloween theme park

"Enchanted Weekend," set for Oct. 7-9, includes opportunities to enjoy "Myths, Magic, and Monsters" along with an artisan market, beer garden, crafts, family activities, and more.

The "Myths, Magic, and Monsters" exhibition and "Enchanted Weekend" are included with the cost of general admission. "Magic By Moonlight" is ticketed separately as a special event series, and it is recommended that people purchase these tickets online in advance as the series is expected to sell out.

Looking ahead further, New England Botanic Garden's popular "Night Lights" will return Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 as "enchanting landscapes, fun experiences, and thousands of lights await. Enjoy s’mores, seasonal drinks, a model train, shopping for holiday gifts, and fun photo opportunities while creating memories for the whole family."

New England Botanic Garden is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Night Lights" will run daily 4 to 10 p.m. Admission is adults, $19; seniors (65+), $16; child (age 4-12), $9; child (age 3 and under), free; Garden members, free.

For "Magic By Moonlight": Adults, $22; youth, $12. Garden members: adults, $16; youth, $9. Children under 2: free.

Learn more about "Myths, Magic, and Monsters" and reserve tickets for "Magic by Moonlight" online at nebg.org/myths-magic-and-monsters.

Tickets for "Night Lights" go on sale for members on Oct. 16 and open for general sale Oct. 30.

When: Sept. 1 through Oct. 31

Where: New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive, Boylston

How much: Included in admission cost. $19 adults, $16 seniors 65 and older, $9 children ages 4 to 12, free for children 3 and under.nebg.org.