Inside the signature glass-domed Conservatory, hundreds of orchids bloom in a setting reminiscent of an upscale gala, where nature itself is dressed in finery. Cascading orchids adorn mannequins and displays, immersing visitors in a living celebration of color, texture, and form.
Orchid Delirium
Orchid Delirium
March 5 – April 19, 2026
Orchid Delirium returns to Powell Gardens this spring, inviting guests into a world where orchids take center stage. Inspired by the pageantry of state occasions and the United States’ 250th anniversary, this year’s exhibit nods to the elegance of America’s gardens.
Inside the Conservatory, hundreds of orchids bloom in a setting reminiscent of an upscale gala, where nature itself is dressed in finery. Cascading orchids adorn mannequins and displays, immersing visitors in a living celebration of color, texture, and form. Nearby, the Perennial Lounge draws inspiration from state dinners and First Lady orchids. The Native Orchid Spotlight in the Conifer Room highlights Missouri’s own native orchids while Garden Galleries’ spring display evokes the charm of the White House Rose Garden with formal plantings.
Exhibit guides and tours help guests deepen their appreciation for orchids and discover why they have captivated people throughout history.
Powell Gardens is open Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. during Orchid Delirium.
Exhibition Highlights
The Perennial Lounge features First Lady orchids in a display inspired by White House state dinners, honoring the First Ladies who have shaped these iconic events through hospitality, cultural symbolism, and relationship-building. Their presence and choices have long helped foster goodwill and strengthen international relationships during pivotal global moments.
New this year, the Native Orchid Spotlight in the Conifer Room highlights Missouri’s own native orchids, offering insight into their unique adaptations, habitats, and ecological importance.
The Garden Galleries evoke the charm of the White House Rose Garden with formal plantings of boxwoods, roses, and spring blooms in a cozy greenhouse setting, while the adjacent arid greenhouse showcases a striking collection of cacti and succulents.
Lab (Visitor Center)
Look for pop-up children’s activities and educational moments in the Exploratorium Lab (located in the Visitor Center)! Perfect for curious young minds, these hands-on experiences change throughout the season, offering everything from story time to nature-themed crafts.
Check onsite to see what’s available during your visit, including bird themed Young Explorer Backpacks to borrow from The Marketplace!
Families and curious minds can explore hands-on learning in the Exploratorium Lab in the Visitor Center, featuring rotating pop-up activities, story times, and nature-themed crafts throughout the season.
Exhibit Guide
Come for the stunning display and leave with a deeper understanding of why the beauty of orchids has enamored humankind for centuries! Use the exhibit guide to explore the exhibit and learn more.
Exhibit Tours
Digital tours of Orchid Delirium are available online for those interested in a self-guided tour during their visit. Access the Orchid Delirium tour here.
March 5- April 19, 2026 | While supplies last
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens will have orchids for sale, including moth, dancing ladies, dendrobiums, and other varieties. Towards the end of Orchid Delirium, you may see a few special orchids from the exhibit included in the selection!
Exhibition Events
Saturday, March 14 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$75 | 10% less for members
Conifer Room (Visitor Center)
Orchid enthusiasts of all levels are invited to Powell Gardens’ annual Orchid Symposium!
Start your day with a welcome breakfast, then learn from guest speakers about orchid care, conservation, and design. We are excited to welcome Steve Buback (Missouri Conservation Department) to share about Missouri’s native orchids.
After a lunch buffet, the afternoon will close with a guided walking tour of Orchid Delirium and conversation about orchid care with Lead Horticulturist Brent Tucker.
This year’s Orchid Symposium is sponsored in part by the American Orchid Society.
Bundle the Orchid Symposium and Orchid Corsage & Boutonniere Workshop for a full day of learning and creating at Powell Gardens!
Saturday, March 14 | 1-4 p.m.
$50 | 10% less for members
Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Gather your favorite crafting buddy and head to Powell Gardens for an adult-only make and take session! Create your own orchid corsage or boutonniere while sipping on specialty orchid cocktails. A charcuterie bar with a savory spread of cheeses, meats, and seasonal bites will be available for grazing.
Must be 21+ to attend.
Register for Orchid Corsage & Boutonniere Workshop
Bundle the Orchid Symposium and Orchid Corsage & Boutonniere Workshop for a full day of learning and creating at Powell Gardens!
March 21 and April 11 | 10:30 a.m. – noon
50 | $5 less for members
Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Enjoy Powell Gardens’ spring landscape with botanically inspired tea. The champagne tea service is complete with sparkling wine, botanical teas, and a selection of sweet and savory treats.
Your tea ticket includes admission to Powell Gardens and the spring exhibit, Orchid Delirium, until 5 p.m.
Garden to Glass: Black Orchid Cocktail
Saturday, March 21 | 3-5 p.m.
$35 | 10% less for members
Terrace Room
Learn to craft an orchid-inspired cocktail using fresh ingredients. After shaking up and sipping your creation, visit Powell Gardens’ spring exhibit, Orchid Delirium.
Must be 21+ to attend.
Feb
24
Wings Over Water Screening
Details for Wings Over Water Screening
Mar
5
Orchid Delirium
Details for Orchid Delirium
Mar
5
Homeschool Day: Birds
Details for Homeschool Day: Birds
Happening Soon!
Orchid Symposium
- March 14, 2026 | Saturday
- 9:00am -1:00pm
Video Library
Cattleya Orchids
Brent Tucker, Horticulturist, shares about cattleya orchids. Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, has several cattleya orchids in its orchid collection. Powell Gardens orchid collection is on display in the spring during Orchid Delirium.
And then we have a Cattleya type of orchid here. Most people may know Cattleya as the corsage orchids. They typically are big, flashy uh flowers that were used as corsages. Cattleyas are epiphytic and that means that they grow on trees in nature. They’re not a parasite so they do not take any nutrients from uh the plant host. So anything that falls from the heavens above, rain, bird droppings, um help fertilize the plants. These are found on tree trunks and limbs
Blooms of Orchid Delirium
Take a tour through Orchid Delirium, Powell Gardens orchid exhibition.
♪ classical piano music ♪
Orchid Delirium 2024
Highlights from Orchid Delirium 2024.
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Thank you, Sponsors!
Orchid Delirium is sponsored in part by the American Orchid Society.
Plan your visit to Powell Gardens today.
Once your tickets are purchased online, you will receive confirmation via email. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!