This Weekend: Arts & Letters
Posted in Programs and Events on December 12 2014, by Lansing Moore
Tomorrow afternoon, join us in welcoming former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins to NYBG for a special reading of his most beloved works. Visitors to the Garden have enjoyed his poems that line the Holiday Poetry Walk, inspired by trains, winter, and New York. Tickets are still available, so plan your weekend at NYBG and come enjoy the Holiday Train Show alongside beautiful poetry.
The Holiday Train Show continues this weekend with holiday guides, live a cappella, and screenings of your favorite holiday- and train-related films. Other programs this weekend include a special in-depth tour of the latest exhibition in the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, Flora Illustrata: A Celebration of Botanical Masterworks. These treasures from the Library’s Rare Book and other Collections span centuries, so come explore botanical history with an expert guide. Or you can be an expert for a day and join professionals and aficionados alike for this Saturday’s Annual Winter Bird Count to learn about bird conservation and population health while observing the Garden’s birds. Keep reading to get the full details on this weekend’s programs at NYBG!
Saturday, December 13
Holiday Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Learn more about the exhibition and its model trains from our knowledgeable guides, who will show up-close samples of the plant parts used to make buildings, reveal behind-the-scenes images of the show’s installation, and share other special insights.
Annual Winter Bird Count – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Join avian enthusiasts and amateur birders to collect data on resident bird populations and migratory species, helping to guide conservation action and assess the health of bird populations.
Winter Wonderland Tree Tour – 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Even in cold weather there’s plenty of interest in our gardens and collections. Meet at the Reflecting Pool and embark on an invigorating 45-minute walk to view the Garden’s stately conifer collection and old growth Forest amid the beauty of winter.
Holiday A Cappella – 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a mix of traditional and contemporary seasonal music performed by a cappella musicians.
Poetry Reading with Billy Collins – 2 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Stroll through the Leon Levy Visitor Center and Perennial Garden Way to read train-inspired poems by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Then meet the poet during a special reading of his work, including beloved winter selections to celebrate the season. Seating is limited; first-come, first-served.
Holiday Film Screenings: Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – 3:30 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In Ross Hall
Enjoy some of the most cherished holiday films as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen! Expanding on last year’s program, this series will include classic films with train themes as well as traditional holiday fare
Flora Illustrata Tour – 4 p.m.
Meet at the Library Building, 6th floor
The renowned LuEsther T. Mertz Library of The New York Botanical Garden counts among its holdings many of the most beautiful and pioneering botanical and horticultural works ever created. Find out more about some of library’s most fascinating works—exceedingly rare books, stunning botanical artworks, handwritten manuscripts, medieval herbals, exquisite garden prints and flower books, nursery catalogs, explorers’ notebooks, and more.
Sunday, December 14
Holiday Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Learn more about the exhibition and its model trains from our knowledgeable guides, who will show up-close samples of the plant parts used to make buildings, reveal behind-the-scenes images of the show’s installation, and share other special insights.
Holiday Landmarks Tour – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Meet at the Reflecting Pool for a fascinating overview of the Garden’s history and its importance as a vital NYC cultural destination. With an expert guide, explore the Allée, the Fountain of Life, and the Mertz Library. Then stroll along the Poetry Walk ending at the beloved Holiday Train Show® exhibition in the Haupt Conservatory, the Garden’s preeminent NYC Landmark building.
Holiday A Cappella – 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a mix of traditional and contemporary seasonal music performed by a cappella musicians.
Holiday Film Screenings: How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – 2:30 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In Ross Hall
Enjoy some of the most cherished holiday films as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen! Expanding on last year’s program, this series will include classic films with train themes as well as traditional holiday fare
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Evergreen Express
Saturdays – 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Sundays – 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
A part of the Holiday Train Show®
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Hop aboard the Evergreen Express for lively activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where each station stop offers something new to create or explore! Build your own train puppet with master puppeteer Ralph Lee, join a musical marching parade around the collection, and visit the William and Lynda Steere Discovery Center, where a hands-on workshop with cones, needles, and other winter plant parts helps you craft your own miniature balsam fir pillow.
