The New York Botanical Garden is set to unveil a larger-than-life White Rabbit sculpture as part of its upcoming exhibition, “Wonderland: Curious Nature.” Standing at 12 feet tall and adorned with intricate details like a pocket watch and foliage fur, this whimsical creation is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s iconic books “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass,” the exhibition aims to transport guests into a world of fantasy and exploration. From interactive installations like Yoko Ono’s oversized chess set to Alyson Shotz’s shimmering sculpture, the garden is filled with surprises at every turn.
Inside the Haupt Conservatory, a giant rabbit hole made from tree stumps and vines will lead visitors from a section of plants reminiscent of Carroll’s world to a wild Wonderland Garden. With unique specimens like spotted begonias and carnivorous plants on display, guests will have the opportunity to learn about plant evolution and diversity in a fun and engaging way.
But the exhibition doesn’t stop at plants – it also delves into the historical and scientific influences behind Carroll’s work. From Victorian artifacts to contemporary artworks, the show offers a comprehensive look at the hallucinatory quality of Carroll’s books and the era in which they were written.
With a mix of art, nature, and historical context, “Wonderland: Curious Nature” promises to be a truly immersive experience that encourages visitors to slow down, observe, and wonder about the world around them. As Joanna L. Groarke, the garden’s vice president for exhibitions and programming, puts it, the exhibition is designed to inspire curiosity and reflection, much like Carroll himself did with his timeless tales.
