Tejal Somvanshi
The New York Botanical Garden transforms into a living canvas of Vincent van Gogh’s floral masterpieces from May 24 through October 26, 2025. This exhibition brings the Dutch painter’s botanical subjects to life through immersive installations across the garden’s 250-acre landscape.
Visitors can wander through a monumental sunflower lawn that recreates the vibrant yellows and browns of Van Gogh’s famous sunflower series. The installation features actual living plants that change with the seasons, offering different experiences for repeat visitors throughout the five-month run.
“You’ve seen the paintings, now see them come to life,” says Jennifer Bernstein, NYBG CEO and President.
The exhibition spotlights contemporary artists who have created large-scale works inspired by Van Gogh’s paintings. Lee Baker and Catherine Borowski of Graphic Rewilding have created living interpretations inspired by Van Gogh’s works. Their work aligns with their mission to improve quality of life through public art installations.
More Posts
Artists Amie J. Jacobsen and Cyril Lancelin contribute additional floral sculptures that interpret Van Gogh’s work through modern materials and perspectives.
For those wanting an evening experience, the “Starry Nights” program runs through September, featuring what NYBG states is the first-ever drone show at a NYC cultural institution. These weather-dependent performances illuminate the sky with moving light formations inspired by “The Starry Night.” Evening visitors can also enjoy bistro music and cocktails in the garden setting.
Van Gogh painted a of sunflower works between 1888 and 1889 while living in Arles and Saint-Rémy, France. According to the Van Gogh Museum, these pieces often symbolized gratitude in his work. The sunflower series was originally intended to decorate the Yellow House for Paul Gauguin’s visit.
Families might want to mark July 26, 2025, for Van Gogh Dress-Up Day, while art enthusiasts can participate in plein air painting sessions and film screenings of “Loving Vincent” on select dates during the exhibition.The multi-sensory experience allows visitors to experience floral scents reminiscent of those that surrounded Van Gogh as he painted, creating a fuller understanding of his artistic environment.
Planning Your Visit
The garden is wheelchair accessible with tram tours available. Metro-North’s Harlem Line to Botanical Garden Station offers the quickest route from Manhattan, or take the B/D subway to Bedford Park Boulevard.
Early mornings typically have fewer crowds, while golden hour provides optimal lighting for photography of the sunflower lawn. Evening visits require separate timed entry tickets, and advance booking is recommended for the popular Starry Nights events.
The New York Botanical Garden is located in the Bronx and visitors should check weather conditions before evening visits, as drone shows may be canceled during inclement weather.The exhibition runs from May 24 to October 26, 2025, at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It features large-scale floral installations inspired by Van Gogh’s works, contributions from contemporary artists, seasonal plant rotations, and special evening events with a drone show. Visitors can explore both daytime and nighttime experiences, with ticketing and transport details available through NYBG.
