Annual Indoor Orchid Show Runs February 6 – March 1
Let your curiosity run wild during Orchid Adventure! This February, Franklin Park Zoo’s Orchid Adventure is returning to the Tropical Forest Pavilion, spotlighting orchids native to multiple habitats across the natural world. Back for the third year, this immersive experience will showcase the beauty and diversity of orchids within unique curiosity cabinet displays.
During Orchid Adventure, take a trip back in time to the Victorian Era, where early nature enthusiasts began the study of natural science by showcasing items such as plants, shells, feathers, fossils, and more, which were displayed in ornate curiosity cabinets for observation. This practice significantly shaped the contemporary understanding of the natural world and was a part of the foundation of conservation studies and teachings. Uniting rare orchids, repurposed furniture, intriguing biofacts and vibrant plant life, Orchid Adventure brings this conservation history lesson to life with a gorgeous visual aesthetic.
Selected orchid species from the animals’ native regions will be displayed alongside their habitats, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in healthy ecosystems. There will be orchids native to Asia outside of the habitat of Jye, the male clouded leopard. Orchids found throughout Africa will feature near the ring-tailed lemur, pygmy hippo and western lowland gorilla habitats. Central American orchids will be spotlighted alongside the Baird’s tapir, giant anteater and cotton-top tamarin habitats.
Immerse yourself in a botanical wonderland as you learn more about select species during orchid tours and participate in our scavenger hunt. Guests looking to care for an orchid of their own can take part in one of our orchid mounting workshops, where the Horticulture team will show you how to make a beautiful botanical display for your home. Workshops will take place on February 21 and 28 in the Tropical Forest Classroom for an additional $35 cost, with a $5 discount for members. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Orchid Adventure is a wonderful way to spend a winter day at Franklin Park Zoo, while learning about the natural world amongst hundreds of beautiful orchids. Guests interested in purchasing an orchid from the show should mark their calendar for the orchid sale on Sunday, March 8.
For the full calendar of events, workshop pre-registration and more information, visit www.franklinparkzoo.org.
Orchid Adventure
February 6 – March 1, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Last entry at 3:00 p.m.
Orchid Sale
March 8, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Orchid Tours
February 21 and 28, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Orchid Mounting Workshops
February 21 and 28, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where – Tropical Forest Pavilion, Franklin Park Zoo – One Franklin Park Road
TICKETS: Orchid Adventure is included with general admission. For ticket
information, visit www.franklinparkzoo.org
