Mitchell Park Domes
The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory's Show Dome is transformed 5 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. Once in place, a show may last from six to fourteen weeks. Please note that Show Dome is closed for approximately two weeks between shows to transition to the new theme.
Rotating Exhibits / Events
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Attack of the Giant Monsters 2
JANUARY 18 - MARCH 29
Attack of the Giant Monsters 2 is the exciting sequel to our first giant-monster themed model train show. Due to the Domes closure back in 2016, the show was cut very short, but it has returned with even bigger and better monsters. This G-scale model train garden will feature spoofs of your favorite classic giant movie monsters. Travel the tracks through a not-so-scary, but very silly set of cities under attack, creatures lurking in the plants and plenty of hidden surprises. The garden will include miniature topiary azaleas and other varieties of dwarf evergreen trees. Among many varieties of flowering annuals this show will also showcase a unique eyeball looking plant called Acmella oleracea and a carnivorous plant display to complement this show's Monster theme.
Regular Domes admission applies. Free to Friends of the Domes members.All Scale Train Lobby Exhibit
FEBRUARY 8 & 9, 9AM-4PM
A weekend of exhibits and unique train layouts displaying all types and sizes of collectible model trains; from the ones that you can ride to those that are miniature sized.
Regular Domes admission applies. Free to Friends of the Domes members.Gardens & Gears Steampunk Faire
FEBRUARY 29, 2020, 9AM-5PM
Join us for a gadget filled garden party showcasing the culture, arts and craftsmanship of the Steampunk era and lifestyle! Dress up and be part of the fun. Food available for purchase.
Regular Domes admission applies. Free to Friends of the Domes members.April Showers Spring Floral Show
APRIL 11 - MAY 25
Everyone can enjoy their first colors of Spring in the tulips, hyacinths, lilies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, azaleas and other springtime favorites along with a stunning mural resembling, “Singing in the Rain.” The beauty of the show will be in the forefront while you can learn fun facts on conserving our Great Lakes water in a designated area of the dome. Just think, all plants grown in the greenhouses for every show theme were given reclaimed water off the greenhouse complex roof. Last year, that was 1,000,000 gallons of reused water! This show will feature a pastel colored palette of flowering Spring staples such as tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, pansies and white Easter lilies. Stunning 'Blaumeister' hydrangeas will complement this water themed 'April Shower' show along with the small dainty blue forget-me-nots. Delicate peach, pink and yellow buttercups and aromatic stock will also make an appearance. Fun fact: It will take about 2000 plants to fill in our Spring Show!
Monday Morning Storytime
MONDAYS AT 10:30AM THROUGH MAY 31
Take you little ones (age 3-7) to the Domes Education Center and enjoy a story that comes to life! Each week a volunteer storyteller will present a topic that is nature-centered and related the the the current Show Dome show.
Included with Domes Admission. Free to Friends of the Domes members.Walk the Domes
TUESDAYS, 9:15AM THROUGH MAY 31
Take your walking routine to the Domes. Enjoy a one mile scenic indoor walk led by a trained conservatory volunteer, who will lead a warm-up on the first lap along the paths of the Domes, followed by gentle stretch in the lobby.
Pokemon Go at The Domes
Get out of the cold and join the Pokémon craze. The popular phone app game uses GPS technology to hide Pokémon and various prizes in real-world outdoor locations and the Domes is no exception! The bonus is that the Domes aren't exactly outdoors, so this winter you can come inside and play while staying warm and dry—not to mention take in the beautiful gardens. This game is truly fun for all ages and encourages getting exercise as well as meeting friendly new people in the community. The app is free to download, and for those currently playing, there are four indoor Poké-Stops and one Poké-Gym. Come in and catch them all! Free every day to Friends of the Domes members!