Celebrate the Crystal Bridge Conservatory’s 35th anniversary with free admission

Myriad Botanical Gardens invites visitors to experience the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory for free on Friday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of the landmark’s 35th anniversary. 

The conservatory recently reopened following an extensive two-year, $11 million renovation that brought new plant collections, a new waterfall feature, updated overlook terraces and expanded accessible spaces. The Myriad gift shop is another recent addition to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory. Curated with emphasis on horticulture education and conservation, the gift shop offers visitors a unique selection of Gardens-inspired apparel and merchandise. 

The conservatory bridge first opened in 1988 as part of the urban renewal project, Pei Plan – a predecessor to the more widely known MAPS improvement initiatives. 

President and CEO of the Myriad Gardens Foundation Maureen Heffernan spoke with VeloCityOKC following the bridge’s reopening last November, detailing the structure’s improvements, as well as the organization’s plans for the future.

In March, the Gardens will be offering: 

• Reading Wednesdays – Free story times for toddlers every Wednesday during the school year in the Visitor Center Lobby at 10 a.m. 
• Spring Break Drop-ins – Come and go crafts and adventures for all ages, March 13-17 at the Children’s Garden Porch from 10 a.m. to noon. 
• St. Patrick’s Day Slime Creations – Leprechaun slime creation craft and scavenger hunt on March 17. Registration is required by March 14 at www.myriadgardens.org.  
• Free Tai Chi in the Gardens – All skill-levels Tai Chi classes, every other Monday beginning March 6 in the Water Plaza Room, instructed by the YMCA’s Ling Miller. 

• Free Yoga in the Gardens – All skill-levels yoga classes on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. in the Water Plaza Room. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat and water. 
• Vernal Equinox Sound Bath and Meditation – A free relaxing experience, guided by wellness practitioners, that invites guests to enjoy a gentle, yet powerful, therapeutic and restorative process. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket, pillow, yoga mat and comfortable clothes for the best experience.  

You can find more information on the Crystal Bridge Conservatory’s day of free admission and more on the Myriad Botanical Gardens website, www.myriadgardens.org.