Get Involved: Missouri Botanical Gardens Lantern Fest

If you like those little paper lanterns that get hung up on back patios or traditional Chinese culture then the Missouri Botanical Gardens has officially made you summer. On May 26th they launched their Lantern Fest exhibit that celebrates the completion of the fifteen day Chinese New Year.  The exhibit, dubbed as “Art by Day, Magic by Night”, runs from May 26th through August 19th and features traditional Chinese art produced by Chinese artists in a spectacular display of colors and design. You can check out the massive art exhibit during the day but the truly shines at night. The golden child of this fest is of course the lanterns. Thousands of illuminated Chinese lanterns light up the sky and foliage as visitors take in the sites of the garden.

“When most people think of a Chinese ‘lantern,’ they immediately think of a small, round, hanging paper lantern,” said Lynn Kerkemeyer, events coordinator Missouri Botanical Garden, in their press release. “Visitors will be overwhelmed when they see what our ‘lanterns’ actually are. These are incredible, vivid, elaborate sets created from thousands of pieces to form amazing, large-scale works of art. When illuminated at night, they are nothing short of awe-inspiring!”

Under the glow of the lanterns, patrons can peruse booths full of themed merchandise and services, take in the three story temple recreation or just social with friends on the garden’s grounds. I promise this event is not one to miss and supporting our local botanical garden is important. When we get a gem like this, we must show out for our neighbors. So do yourself a favor and take your loved ones, friends or even acquaintances to the closest traditional art event that you may ever see. Plus, many of the art pieces were made with recycled material.

For general Garden information, visit www.mobot.org or call (314) 577‑5100 (toll-free, 1‑800‑642‑8842). For information about “Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night,” visit www.mobot.org/lanternfestival. Follow the Missouri Botanical Garden on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/missouribotanicalgarden andhttp://twitter.com/mobotnews. To learn more about visiting St. Louis, log on towww.explorestlouis.com.

Thanks for reading.

Written By Ryan Farrell