
Thai Pavilion and Garden
10th Aniversary
2002-2012
Olbrich's shining red and gold Thai Pavilion is a piece of art and a symbol of international friendship. The Midwest-style tropical garden that surrounds it is a wonder. The Thai Garden reaches its peak growth and bloom in September, transforming it into a stunning Thai retreat. It's a great time of year to commemorate 10 years of this unique Thai sala and garden in our community.
The Thai Pavilion was a gift from the Thai government and the Thai Chapter of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association. It opened to the public on June 15, 2002.
Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Garden. Festivities kick-off with Thai Fest, a celebration of Thai culture on September 23 and continue through the fall with classes, a Conservatory exhibit, and more.
Bolz Conservatory Exhibit: Flora of Tropical Thailand
Classes & Workshops
Bolz Conservatory Exhibit: Flora of Tropical Thailand
November 3, 2012 - March 24, 2013
Thailand covers an extensive area of
about 198,456 square miles
in the middle of Southeast Asia. Thailand is one of the most botanically diverse countries in the world with an estimated 15,000 plant species, which accounts for 8% of the estimated total number of plant species found globally. The country's tropical flora includes an incredible array of fruit trees, bamboo (more species than any country outside China), tropical hardwoods, palms, ferns, and more than 2,000 flowering species, including Thailand's orchids. Discover some of Thailand's tropical plants and see the plants in person during this self-guided Bolz Conservatory exhibit.
The Bolz Conservatory is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 for ages 6 & up; free for children 5 & under; free for Olbrich members. Admission is free for all on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Classes & Workshops
Tropical Gardens of Thailand
Sit back and enjoy a photo presentation of the lush tropical gardens of central Thailand, mountain flowers of the North, and unique Thai cultural sites throughout Thailand. In 2005 and 2007, Olbrich's Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping embarked on trips to some of Thailand's best gardens on a group tour sponsored by Olbrich Botanical Gardens. View Thailand's exotic gardens and landscape through Epping's stunning photographs while learning about the fundamentals of Thai garden design.
Wednesday, November 7, 6:30-8 pm
Registration Deadline: October 31
Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 11-44
Flora of Tropical Thailand Conservatory Walk
Enjoy a private guided tour through the Bolz Conservatory with Conservatory Curator John Wirth and discover some of the incredible tropical trees, palms, ferns, and flowering plants found in Thailand. Hear fascinating stories of how specific plants came to be part of Olbrich's collection and the importance of these plants in Thailand and globally.
Saturday, November 17, 4-5:30 pm
Registration Deadline: November 8
Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 31-08
Toddler Story & Stroll: Tropical Thailand
This year Olbrich celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Thai Pavilion and Thai Garden. Join us in this series of classes and explore the magical world of tropical Thailand. Classes include a story, theme-related activities, and a stroll through the Bolz Conservatory and/or Thai Garden. Classes are designed for you and your preschooler to spend quality time together. Sign up for one class or the entire series. Ages 2-4 with an adult.
One World, One Village
Tuesday, November 13, 10-11 am
Registration Deadline: November 6
Cost: $9/$7 member | Course Number: 51-26
Elephants
Tuesday, November 20, 10-11 am
Registration Deadline: November 13
Cost: $9/$7 member | Course Number: 51-27
Tigers
Tuesday, November 27, 10-11 am
Registration Deadline: November 20
Cost: $9/$7 member | Course Number: 51-28
Monkeys
Tuesday, December 4, 10-11 am
Registration Deadline: November 27
Cost: $9/$7 member | Course Number: 51-29
Tropical Flowers
Tuesday, December 11, 10-11 am
Registration Deadline: December 4
Cost: $9/$7 member | Course Number: 51-30
Coconuts
Tuesday, December 18, 10-11 am
Registration Deadline: December 11
Cost: $9/$7 member | Course Number: 51-31
Nighttime in the Jungle: Wild Thailand
Did you know Thailand is home to more than 285 mammal species, 925 species of birds, and thousands of species of plants? Because of its great diversity, Thailand is known as the 'Jewel of the Orient.' Join us as we discover more about this magical and mysterious country. Each class includes theme-related activities and an after-hours stroll through the Bolz Conservatory. Sign up for one class or the entire series. Grades K-3 with an adult.
In the Trees
Friday, October 5, 6:30-7:30 pm
Registration Deadline: September 27
Cost: $10/$8 member | Course Number: 61-22
On the Ground
Friday, November 2, 6:30-7:30 pm
Registration Deadline: October 25
Cost: $10/$8 member | Course Number: 61-23
In the Water
Friday, December 7, 6:30-7:30 pm
Registration Deadline: November 29
Cost: $10/$8 member | Course Number: 61-24
See More Classes and Workshops 
UPCOMING Events
Leaf Mulch Sales
Plant Sale with the Pros
Rhapsody in Bloom
Bolz Conservatory Exhibit: Light Gaps