The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory’s Show Dome is transformed five times each year. Each Show Dome display has a specific theme, generally categorized as historical, cultural or fantasy, and is chosen at least a year in advance. Plants are selected specifically for a particular floral exhibit and grown in the greenhouses located at the Mitchell Park Domes. Continual care and maintenance assures an equally bright, vivid and spectacular array of flowers for visitors from the first to the last day of any Show Dome display. Please note that Show Dome is closed for approximately two weeks between shows to transition to the new theme.
Show Dome Displays
Please be sure to check back here for details about upcoming shows.
- Jan-Mar: Train Show
- April-May: Spring Show
- June-Sept: Summer Show
- Sept-Nov: Fall Show
- Nov-Jan: Holiday Show
Video courtesy of Milwaukee County Parks
Current and Upcoming Shows
Summer Show: DinoDomes
Dates: June 10, 2023-Sept 10, 2023
Roam the domes and discover a lost world populated by giant lizards … visit the Summer Show, DinoDomes, where a select group of dinosaurs have hatched and await you in the lush flora of Mitchell Park Domes! Dare to pose for a picture with the raptors, and brace yourself for an encounter with our largest dinosaur, Brachiosaurus. But be on your guard … Jurassic times call for Jurassic measures!
Fall Show: eARTh—Art of Nature: Andy Goldsworthy Tribute
Dates: Sept 23, 2023-Nov 5, 2023
Holiday Show: Glaciers, Cool Climate, Penguins
Dates: Nov 18, 2023-Jan 7, 2024
More About the Show Dome Themes
Theme Choices
Show Dome themes have ranged from a formal Japanese garden, to autumn in Provence, a classic monster movie spoof, a street in Dickens London, and scenes from the Nutcracker Suite.
Displays
The theme of each Show Dome display dictates the setting, landscape design and prop design. Each show requires extensive long-term planning, while the actual transformation from one theme to the next takes place in only two weeks.
Display Creation
Horticulturists, arborists, artists, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and welders work together to create each spectacular display. Show Dome props are modular and thus versatile; they can be modified and reused to fit different themes throughout the year.
Serenity
The Show Dome provides serene settings to be captured by artists and photographers, duplicated by visitors in their own gardens and used by students to learn about flowering plants.
