A Pretty, Easy Day Trip
Van Gogh at the New York Botanical Garden
I visited the new Van Gogh exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden on a press preview day earlier this week. The show pairs Van Gogh’s iconic paintings with the real flowers that inspired them. It was one of those perfect spring days—blue skies, not too hot, and a slight breeze just strong enough to make you feel like it's one of the 10 best days of the year. That alone made the trip worth it.
"Immersive experiences" are everywhere these days, but this is the kind I actually enjoy. In a time when every immersive experience seems to involve AI-enhanced dark rooms, this feels refreshing. The show itself is bright and cheerful and full of familiar Van Gogh references. You're outside, surrounded by plants and flowers.
You're not seeing actual Van Gogh paintings, but honestly? That's fine. You get the gist without needing goggles or a guide. It's simple—in a good way, and a lovely excuse for a day trip. Plus, yes, it's very Instagrammable.
The exhibit is spread mainly throughout the Haupt Conservatory and the gardens. There's a sunflower field with a mix of real and fake flowers—and according to one of the curators I chatted with, there are 32 different varieties of sunflowers alone. One courtyard recreates the garden from the hospital in Arles, with many of the same plants he painted during his stay.
My favorite part was inside—a hallway lined with sculptures by artist Amie Jacobsen, each one reinterpreting a Van Gogh still-life. The installations aren’t perfect, and that’s kind of the point—they’re intentionally a little off, like a Van Gogh. I got to chat with the artist, and when I asked if the unevenness was intentional, she said: “That’s exactly right. I didn’t want pieces centered on pedestals or in perfect vases. None of them are perfect—they’re all a little off, because he was a Post-Impressionist, very much influenced by the Impressionists. Nothing is straight.” You could see exactly what she meant.
Another unexpected highlight is Hudson Garden Grill, tucked behind the conservatory. It's not the quick café near the entrance—this is a full-service restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating. I had a cauliflower salad with dates and tofu that was so good, plus a side of zucchini chips (basically a cross between French fries and potato chips that feel healthy). Definitely make time for lunch if you go. On busier days, you should make a reservation.
On Saturdays and Sundays they hand out watercolor sets—paper, clipboard, brush, paint. My friends and I painted for a bit—it was a surprisingly sweet touch. No pressure, just a chance to play around and see what happens.
This isn't the kind of show that'll change your understanding of Van Gogh, and it doesn't have the same artistic weight as past exhibitions like Kusama or Barragán—but it has its own charm, especially if you just want to stroll, snap some photos, and maybe watercolor in the sun."
If You Go
🗓️ The show runs through October 26
🌻 Flowers will be replanted throughout the season to match Van Gogh's palette—even if they aren't the same species
🚆 Easy by train from NYC, or you can drive and park onsite
🍽️ Skip the entrance café and go straight to Hudson Garden Grill by the conservatory
🖼️ Plan for 2–3 hours, especially if you want lunch or to join the watercolor station