Night Bloom at the Conservatory of Flowers

Over the holidays, we enjoyed a visit to “Night Bloom” at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. This special five-week evening exhibit describes itself as a “light and sound experience.” The five galleries of the Conservatory are illuminated with light and sound installations dispersed throughout. For example, animal sounds may play as colorful prisms play against the palm trees in one gallery while ponds glow in other galleries. Visitors may repeat the walk throughout the exhibit as many times as they like. Outside the exhibit, the Conservatory is illuminated with colorful projections. Food and drink are available for purchase.

We enjoyed the exhibit as something different for the holiday season. Bear in mind that the galleries of the Conservatory are relatively dark during the exhibit so that the light art exhibits can be appreciated, which means that you may not be able to see as much of the individual plants as you would in the daytime.

The show ends on January 6, 2019, but it's something to keep in mind for next year if it is offered. For more information, see https://conservatoryofflowers.org/nightbloom/.

And if you haven't been to the Conservatory before, it is well worth a visit at any time of year. This beautiful Victorian-era building is the oldest public wood and glass conservatory in North America. It displays lowers, foliage and plants from around the world, with a concentration on tropical plants. See https://conservatoryofflowers.org.

photos by Erin Mahaney