Orchid Escape is fun for Madison locals of all ages

We checked out Orchid Escape at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, here’s what to expect if you’re planning to check out the exhibit.

In the foreground are bright purple orchids. In the background, a fake raptor dinosaur skeleton.

Jurassic Park or Madison, Wisconsin? | Photo by 608today

Orchid Escape: Rise of the Angiosperm transports Olbrich Botanical Gardens visitors 70 million years into the past to learn about the origins of orchids.

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The exhibit features many decorative dinosaur skeletons. | Photo by 608today

When: Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Sunday, March 3
Where: Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
Cost: $8

What to expect

Looking over the shoulder of a child playing at the Discovery Table in Olbrich Gardens

Kids can learn about flowers and dinosaurs at Olbrich. | photo by 608today

The experience is more than just pretty flowers. This immersive educational exhibit offers takeaways for all ages.

Kids can stop by the Discovery Cart for interactive activities to help them grasp big ideas about fossils, flowers, dinosaurs, and how they’re all related. In addition to ambient dinosaur noises, some thematic decor includes dinosaur skeletons and colorful eggs.

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Don’t worry, they won’t hatch. | Photo by 608today

Adults can enjoy the more in-depth information boards scattered throughout the exhibit. Flower enthusiasts should keep an eye out for the award-winning orchid arrangements donned with first, second, and third-place ribbons given by the Orchid Growers Guild.

A pink orchid with a first place orchid grower's guild ribbon

An award-winning orchid. | Photo by 608today

Orchid sale

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Don’t miss the online orchid sale in March. | Photo by 608today

If the exhibit leaves you wanting an orchid of your own, you’re in luck. When the exhibit concludes, Olbrich will conduct an online sale featuring a selection of flower types from Orchid Escape. Order pick-up will take place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 on-site.