Just in time for Valentine’s Day, one of the most romantic and beautiful art exhibits in recent memory has arrived in D.C., blending Orchids’ natural beauty and the visually striking art of contemporary multimedia artist, Phaan Howng, “The Future Of Orchids”, is a must-see art exhibit in D.C. right now. The exhibit first opened on January 27th and quickly became a favorite daytime date spot for many Washingtonians, gaining a lot of attention on social media for its incredible colors and eye-catching artwork! The exhibit will remain open until April 28th, which means that it is a perfect spot to visit this spring!
What is “The Future Of Orchids” exhibit?
“The Future Of Orchids” exhibit is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Botanic Garden centered around environmental conservation and how climate change is posing a risk to the future of orchids and many other plant species. The exhibit features over 350 live orchid plants, filling the entire Kogod Courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery, as well as several pieces from contemporary multimedia artist, Phaan Howng, who is known for her large-scale paintings and immersive installations that explore the complex relationships between humans and nature.
“With this immersive exhibit, visitors can check out their bright colors, showy patterns and unexpected forms, and maybe catch a smell of their wildly varying aromas too.” – Joy Columbus, director of Smithsonian Gardens.
The purpose of the exhibit, aside from sharing the beauty of orchid plants with Washingtonians, is to raise awareness about the impact that climate change is having on the beauty of nature.
This exhibit makes the 28th annual collaboration between the U.S. Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens
Is it free to visit?
Yup, like many of the incredible museums around D.C., the “Future Of Orchids” exhibit is free to enter and see. Located inside the Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the exhibit may get crowded around mid-day, so if you want to have a relaxed experience at the exhibit without any crowds, we recommend going when the National Portrait Gallery opens around 11:30 am.