The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism, the 22nd edition of the annual celebration of all things orchids at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), carries visitors to the vibrant setting of Mexico. 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. Wander through lush landscapes brought into vivid relief with thousands of flowers that showcase diverse ecosystems and rich culture. Among bright arrangements of orchids in settings inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán (1902–1988). Now through April 27, 2025, visit a paradise of tropical beauty — without ever leaving the Bronx.
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 capturing the essence of architect Luis Barragán’s vibrantly colorful and geometric works. Among shadow, light, and contrasting palettes, explore the inspiration behind the imaginative designs found in this year’s edition of The Orchid Show.
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. Visitors will stroll among thousands of orchids, bringing the textures and forms of Barragán’s style to life with fountain features and colorful walls and lattices.
Mexico’s wide range of ecosystems contain 10–12 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 — they are not found anywhere else in the world.
In addition to the expansive variety of lush and beautiful orchids, this year’s Orchid Show also highlights succulents, such as cacti and agave. While immersed in thousands of flowers, visitors will learn about orchids in the wild and NYBG’s ongoing worldwide orchid research and conservation. Orchids aren’t just found in exotic locations such as the tropics; they’re everywhere, including right here in New York State, and NYBG scientists are still discovering new species. On select weekend dates throughout the exhibition, visitors may learn about orchids and their care from NYBG’s horticulture staff.
The Orchid Show is a must-see for seasoned orchid enthusiasts and for NYBG newcomers alike, promising bold colors and a celebration of Mexico’s rich botanical history. On select evenings, Orchid Nights bring the vibrant beats of cumbia music, with cumbia sonidera dance parties led by a DJ and professional dancers and a celebration of traditional tracks and modern influences that create an immersive dance experience. hellotones, “El Hijo de PueblaYork,” is Bronx-born and at the forefront of a cultural renaissance underway for the Mexican diaspora in New York City, reimagining the cumbia genre and bringing it to new spaces. Born and raised in Queens and now based in Brooklyn, Mark Saldana, a.k.a. Coolmarx, embraces all regional variations of cumbia in his community-based dance lessons — from cumbia colombiana, ecuatoriana, peruana, and mexicana.
Photography courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden.