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Image courtesy of Erie County Botanical Gardens
Image courtesy of Erie County Botanical Gardens

Lumagination 2020 set to wow crowds this winter at Botanical Gardens!

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Sat, Dec 28th 2019 07:00 am

Lumagination is a captivating and interactive exhibit that will transform the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens with light, sound and imagination from Jan. 25 through Feb. 29. Lumagination will delight all ages during this unique exhibit that showcases the architecture and horticulture collection of the Botanical Gardens.

To kick off all the fun, the Lumagination launch party is planned for 6-9 p.m. Jan. 24. This exclusive sneak-peek event will flip the switch on Lumagination. Guests will celebrate the first look at Lumagination while enjoying an open bar of signature cocktails from Ketel One Botanical Vodka; hors d’oeuvres from Salvatore’s Hospitality; and beer, wine and creative gourmet popcorn from What’s Pop-in’. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a high-value basket raffle, and all guests will receive a commemorative glass to mark the occasion.

Party tickets are $45 for Botanical Gardens’ members, $50 for the general public, and $60 after Jan. 17. Tickets are available online at buffalogardens.com or by phone at 716-827-1584, ext. 220.

This year’s theme of Lumagination is “Mysterious Minerals.” Visitors can experience the facets of Earth and minerals. From simulated salt caves and stalactites to wooden sculptures, balancing stones, geodes and crystals, Lumagination will take visitors on a journey like no other. As visitors take a walk through the Botanical Gardens, they will experience creatively themed greenhouses, dramatic and colorful lighting, interactive entertainment, and much more.

Lumagination 2020 is part three of a four-part series exploring water, air, earth and fire.

Community collaborations will create several specialty nights during Lumagination this year. “Family Night” with the Aquarium of Niagara on Jan. 26 will bring touch tank and hands-on activities for kids and families. Aquarium members, with a valid ID, receive Botanical Garden member pricing on Jan. 26.

A “Photo and Influencer Night” is planned for Jan. 28. This evening is not open to the public, but invites photographers and special guests to capture Lumagination through their lenses and participate in a reception and professional discussion lead by Solis.

“Sensory Night” on Jan. 29 will be hosted by Autism Services Inc., and representatives will be on site to talk about the benefits of sensory environments like Lumagination. Everyone is welcome to attend “Sensory Night.” The autism community is encouraged to enjoy this evening, which includes a special art display.

An “Educators’ Night” on Jan. 31 welcomes educators, with a valid ID, to receive free admission this night.

A “Hero Night” is planned for Feb. 5 and welcomes active military, veterans and first responders with valid ID to receive free admission.

“Pride Night” with the Pride Center of Western New York, celebrating the LBGTQ+ community, will be held Feb. 6.

A “Family Night” with the Albright-Knox Art Gallery will be held Feb. 9 and provide an art truck and special hands-on art experiences. Albright-Knox members, with valid ID, receive Botanical Garden member pricing this night.

On Valentine’s Day, the first 300 visitors will receive a special surprise at the door.

Another “Family Night,” with the Buffalo Audubon Society, will be held Feb. 16. The Buffalo Audubon Society will bring hands-on activities and a few critters to Lumagination for visitors to enjoy. Audubon members with valid ID receive Botanical Garden member pricing this night.

Lumagination will take place Jan. 25-26, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, and Feb. 5-9, 12-22 and 26-29. Show hours will be 6-9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Admission doors will open at 5:30 p.m. each night, but organizers want to remind exhibitgoers that Lumagination is best experienced after the sun sets. Admission is $15.50 for adults, $14 for seniors and students (with ID), and $7 for children ages 3-12. Botanical Gardens’ member tickets are discounted.

Tickets are available online at buffalogardens.com and will also be available at the door throughout the exhibit. Botanical Gardens’ guest passes, discounts and coupons are not valid during Lumagination. Cameras and monopods are welcome every night, however, tripods are not permitted.

Lumagination is produced by Luminated Landscapes, with creative concepts and designs provided by Philip Colorusso and Luminated Landscapes Inc., located in East Aurora.

Use #Lumagination and @Buffalogardens when posting on social media. For more information, visit the Botanical Gardens’ website at www.buffalogardens.com. Proceeds benefit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire curiosity and connect people to the natural world through its historic living museum.

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