NYC & Company Names The New York Botanical Garden Its Culture Spot Pick For March

NYC & COMPANY NAMES THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN ITS CULTURE SPOT PICK FOR MARCH

—The Bronx’s Iconic Site Invites Visitors with Special Offer—

New York City (February 29, 2012)—NYC & Company, New York City's marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today named The New York Botanical Garden its Culture Spot pick for March, a monthly program  that highlights  arts organizations across the five boroughs and encourages local and visitor exploration. One of the premier gardens in the United States, the Bronx’s 250-acre National Historic Landmark draws more than 750,000 visitors a year to its gardens, plant collections and exhibitions. To celebrate its Culture Spot designation, from March 1 to 31, The New York Botanical Garden will offer patrons who purchase any full-price All-Garden Pass ticket a second All-Garden Pass ticket for free (of equal or lesser value). 

“Not far from the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, The New York Botanical Garden offers an oasis of calm and beauty”, said Annie Bergen, NYC & Company vice president of arts and cultural programs. “Visitors from around the world will recognize the institution’s native plants and flowers as well as relish its annual Orchid Show. We’re delighted to offer a special opportunity to visit the garden this month.”

From March 3 to April 22, The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Show—the nation’s largest and only curated orchid exhibition—will celebrate its 10th run with guest designer Patrick Blanc. A world-renowned French botanist and artist, Blanc’s work will feature oversized vertical walls of orchids, ferns and tropical foliage plants. Modernizing the concept of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, The Orchid Show: Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Garden showcases both the art and science of living tapestries growing without soil along the face of a wall.

During The Orchid Show visitors are also invited to learn about the garden’s historic and ongoing orchid research, take an audio tour, attend orchid-related courses and more:

History and Mystery of Orchids
1pm and 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays

With more than 25,000 species growing on six continents, orchids have a presence in every country and culture from the jungles of Brazil to vanilla farms in Mexico. This series of presentations and demonstrations will teach visitors about the world of orchids as well as show them how to grow and care for their own at home. Included in All-Garden Pass ticket.

The Orchid Show Cell Phone Tour and Take-Home Tips

A cell phone tour of The Orchid Show: Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Garden complements the exhibition, with additional recordings available that offer advice for caring for particular species of orchids at home.

Orchid Evenings
6:30–9pm, Saturdays throughout The Orchid Show and Friday, April 20; $30 for nonmembers, $20 for members (adults 21 and older)

Enjoy a cocktail while viewing The Orchid Show Elegant beauty and the excitement of live DJs combine to create one of New York City's most romantic date destinations. Admission tickets include a free drink and special dinner offers at some of Arthur Avenue’s best restaurants.

Capturing the Beauty of Orchids: Photography Workshop
10am–5:30pm, Saturday, March 17; $158 for nonmembers, $142 for members

Sharpen your skills of composition, background control, close-up angles, and capturing natural light. Complete the day with a presentation and critique of your photographs.

Orchids in Ice!
11am–3:30pm, Sunday, March 25; $96 for nonmembers, $86 for members

Create an orchid arrangement in a container filled with faux ice after gaining inspiration from The Orchid Show.

To take advantage of The New York Botanical Garden’s limited time visitor offers, patrons can pick up a discount coupon March 1 to 31 at the Official NYC Information Centers in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square and Harlem, or the Official NYC Information Kiosks at City Hall and in Chinatown; the coupon can also be downloaded from nycgo.com/culturespot starting March 1. Discounted All-Garden Pass tickets for The Orchid Show can be also be purchased online at nybg.org using the code 9407.

To celebrate the month’s Culture Spot pick, Annie Bergen will host a special podcast with Karen Daubmann, director of exhibitions at The New York Botanical Garden. Trivia questions about the interview will be asked over Twitter (@nycgo) each week in March for a chance to win pairs of All-Garden Passes for adults to the Orchid Evenings.

To listen to the podcast and learn more about the Culture Spot program, visit nycgo.com/culturespot.

For the latest announcements on NYC & Company programs, follow . Visit nycgo.com to find out everything there is to see and do in New York City.

About The New York Botanical Garden:
Located at Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road. It is easy to reach by Metro-North Railroad or subway. The Botanical Garden is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday and Monday federal holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The best way to enjoy the Garden during The Orchid Show is with the All-Garden Pass, which includes admission to the grounds as well as to seasonal gardens, exhibitions, and attractions such as the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Rock Garden, and Tram Tour: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students with ID, $8 for children ages 2–12, children under 2 and members are free. A Grounds-Only Pass is available: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with ID, $2 for children ages 2–12, children under 2 and members are free. Grounds-only admission is free all day on Wednesdays and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Discounts available for groups of 15 or more; contact Group Tours, 718.817.8687. For more information, please call 718.817.8700 or visit nybg.org.

The New York Botanical Garden is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. A portion of the Garden’s general operating funds is provided by The New York City Council and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Bronx Borough President and Bronx elected representatives in the City Council and State Legislature provide leadership funding.

About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com.

About the NYC & Company Foundation:
The NYC & Company Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization whose mission is to support tourism to New York City by promoting the arts and cultural organizations that make visiting New York City a special and exciting experience. Since its inception in 1999, the Foundation has focused on educating domestic and international audiences about the vibrant and diverse cultural community throughout New York City.

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Contact:  Francisca Ovalle/NYC & Company     212-484-1270