Brooklyn Botanic Garden has officially opened Lightscape, the stunning, mile-long illuminated trail has returned for its third year in Brooklyn and featuring one million-plus lights in immersive installations across the Garden.
“Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have already fallen in love with Lightscape over the past two years, and we’re delighted to invite the city back this season with the most exquisite trail yet,” said Adrian Benepe, president and CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. “Illuminating the “Sea of Light” on Cherry Esplanade for the first time this season was a moment of pure joy. We can’t wait to welcome New Yorkers and tourists alike to the most magical place to experience a midwinter night’s dream.”
The expanded and reimagined trail builds on the natural beauty of BBG’s landscapes, trees, water features, and architectural details, taking visitors on an otherworldly nighttime journey through 18 installations by international light artists and design collectives.
“For the past two winters, Brooklynites have been enchanted by Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG)’s Lightscape,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I am delighted to see Lightscape make a return to BBG this year and hope it will bring joy to many Brooklynites and visitors alike as they explore one of Brooklyn’s most beautiful gardens in a new light. Thank you to BBG for bringing this winter wonderland back for all to enjoy.”
This year’s Lightscape is complete with a newly curated playlist featuring Taylor Swift, Elton John, Philip Glass, and Viter Ukrainian Folk. Pop-up dining areas throughout the trail will offer hot buttered rum, s’mores in a jar, homemade donuts and other seasonal treats.
New installations for 2023 include the Supernova, a massive 24-foot-high illuminated Moravian star, by Studio Vertigo. Guests can explore Submergence, an immersive, interactive experience created with thousands of individual points of suspended light, created by renowned UK collaborative Squidsoup.
Travel through the Sea of Light, by Ithaca, which illuminates BBG’s famous nearly 100,000-square foot Cherry Esplanade end to end with a moving sequence of light and witness Trinity, by Novak, featuring dozens of botanical illustrations from the Garden's own archives come to life as 22-foot-high projections on three 100-year old horse chestnut trees.
Lightscape will be open through New Year’s Day. Hours and tickets are available at bbg.org/lightscape.
