Back for the fifth year, our World of Orchids  spring exhibition returns from May 4 to June 1  with a reimagined theme: Orchidelirium. Step into the opulent world of  19th-century orchid mania, where rare and exotic orchids fueled the passions of Victorian-era collectors and botanical enthusiasts alike. Featuring hundreds of vibrant orchids on display, this spectacular showcase highlights the floral craze that captivated the world. Throughout the exhibition run, enjoy special orchid classes and workshops, and browse plant sales with local vendors on select weekends.

 

Get Tickets

 

This special exhibition requires an additional charge of $7 for non-members ages 18 and over. Members receive free admission. Please see below for more information and pricing details.

 

Skip to:  Plant Sales   |   Members  |  Classes   |   Prices  |   The Magic of Orchids   |   Orchid Care  |   FAQs

 

Plant Sales

On-site plant vendor booths will be set up every weekend with an assortment of plants and products for sale.

Check the vendor calendar below to plan your trip!

Vendors
Guests walking through SDBG 2022 World of Orchids event

Members

Members enjoy free entry to the exhibition. They also have the opportunity to join our upcoming Members-only preview on May 3 to be among the first to see this year’s World of Orchids showcase. 

Member Benefits

Classes

Hands-on classes will accompany this exhibition, featuring popular favorites and new workshops. Members receive a discount for all classes. Check back throughout the exhibition’s run for classes as they are added.

Class List

Wander through lush, immersive displays evoking the grand glasshouses and parlors of the past.

Our 8,000 square-foot Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, will be transformed to feature hundreds of impressive specimens, locally-bred hybrids, and rare species. Marvel at the extravagant blooms and uncover the fascinating stories behind their discovery and cultivation.

With more than 20 years of experience in horticulture, World of Orchids: Orchidelirium is curated by Brandi Eide. In addition to orchids that typically grow in the Garden’s Conservatory, displays will include plants on loan from private growers belonging to two local groups – the San Diego County Orchid Society and the Palomar Orchid Society – as well as orchids and materials from local businesses.

Whether you’re a devoted orchid lover or simply interested in enjoying these beautiful plants, World of Orchids: Orchidelirum promises a mesmerizing journey into one of the most fascinating botanical manias of all time.

Plant Sales

Visit the exhibition for inspiration and leave with a new addition to your collection! Happening every weekend and on other select days during the exhibition, stop by our plant marketplace for a diverse assortment of plants, potting materials, and other plant products for sale by local vendors. The marketplace will be located adjacent to our Dickinson Family Conservatory and is accessible to all Garden guests with general admission.

Vendor Calendar
Guests walking through SDBG 2022 World of Orchids event

Member Benefits

San Diego Botanic Garden Members enjoy free entry to the World of Orchids exhibition. SDBG Members get exclusive early access to World of Orchids before it opens to the public with a members-only preview on May 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Register for 5/3 Preview

Become a Member

Classes

Whether you’re a seasoned orchid enthusiast with a diverse collection, or you’ve just discovered your love for these beautiful plants, we will have a variety of orchid-related classes for all to enjoy.

San Diego Botanic Garden World of Orchid event in the Dickinson Family Conservatory in 2022

World of Orchids: Orchidelirium Pricing

This special exhibition requires an additional charge for non-members ages 18 and over.

Members: Free 

Non-Members: $7 + General Admission 

Youth (3-17): Included in General Admission

Child (under 3): Free

Please see FAQ section below for information about Guest Tickets and reciprocal program pricing

The Magic of Orchids

Immerse yourself in the charm and wonder of a bygone era as we celebrate the allure of orchids with an unforgettable night filled with magic, wonder, and captivating curiosities!

Learn More

 

 

Orchid Care

Don’t make the mistakes of orchid growers of the past! Check back soon to learn more about caring for your orchid.

FAQs

Tickets / Reservations

San Diego Botanic Garden is dedicated to presenting high quality and relevant exhibitions to our guests. These special exhibitions require additional financial resources to facilitate and account for rising production costs.

Thank you for being a Member! This exhibition is free for all Garden members. 

World of Orchids is one of our most popular seasonal exhibitions, attracting thousands of guests each year. We highly recommend that all guests make an advance reservation online for your visit (including Members). Walk-up admissions for the exhibition are not guaranteed on high-volume days. 

Please note: SDBG will accommodate ticket types that require in-person general admissions including Guest Tickets,  Museums for All and reciprocal memberships.

For online purchases, you will be prompted to add exhibition tickets to your cart during the checkout process for general admission tickets. Please add these to get entry to the special exhibition. Walk-up admissions will be available, but are not guaranteed on high-volume days.

This exhibition is hosted in our enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory with installations set up along a one-way directional pathway. To help ensure the best experience possible and manage crowds, we ask that you arrive within the 30-minute time window allocated on your tickets (i.e. 9:30-10 a.m.). 

SDBG Guest Tickets provide daytime entry to the Garden. The special exhibition pricing ($7) still applies to visitors 18+ using a Guest Ticket.

Reciprocal admission provides daytime entry to the Garden. The special exhibition pricing ($7) still applies to visitors 18+ using a reciprocal membership. 

San Diego Botanic Garden is an active supporter of the federal program, Museums for All. Any guest with a Museums for All membership or purchasing a day admission under the Museums for All program will receive $1 general admission to the Garden.  The special exhibition pricing ($7) still applies for Museums for All visitors 18+. 

Visitor Services

Yes. Your exhibition ticket will grant you access to the showcase throughout the day. Pending the number of guests confirmed for any given time slot, you may be asked to wait or come back during a less crowded time. 

Yes! Plant sales will be set up on select days adjacent to the Conservatory building, and will be accessible with general admission to all Garden guests regardless of ticket type.

Yes! You will be able to purchase a special exhibition ticket as long as they are available. Please note that walk-up admission is not guaranteed

© 2021 San Diego Botanic Garden | Website by O'Rourke Hospitality