The New York Botanical Garden kicked off the summer season with their delightful annual Conservatory Ball.
Highlighting NYBG’s summer exhibition Flower Power, hundreds of guests gathered in colorful attire for a flower-filled cocktail reception, elegant dinner, and dancing in the glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. This year’s special showcase is inspired by the enduring symbolism of flowers as icons of peace and love, which was a vibe that bloomed blissfully all night under the stars. Proceeds from the evening support the New York Botanical Garden’s preeminent botanical research, children’s education, and horticulture programs.
BRONX, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: J. Barclay Collins II speaks onstage during the New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball at New York Botanical Garden on June 04, 2026 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for New York Botanical Garden)
The evening’s Lead Chairs included Maureen K. and Richard L. Chilton, Jr. Event Chairs included Sasha and Edward P. Bass, J. Barclay Collins II and Kristina Durr, Ravenel Curry and Jane Moss, Lindsay and Spencer Grimes, Sharon and Bill Jacob, Jill Joyce, Holly Lowen, Susan and George Matelich, Bethany and Robert B. Millard, Janet M. Montag, Mary and Garrett Moran, Philip O. Ozuah, MD, Ph.D., Arielle Patrick, Deborah and Charles Royce, Tina and Steve Swartz, Elaine and Donald Textor, Douglas Dockery Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Weld, and Christina Young-Hodson. The evening’s Vice Chairs were Friederike K. Biggs, Cecilia Jacob, Stella Jacob, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, and James Palm (in formation).
BRONX, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: (L-R) Holly Lowen and Tina Dion attend the New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball at New York Botanical Garden on June 04, 2026 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for New York Botanical Garden)
Candace Bushnell, Christopher Griffin (“Plant Kween”), Cynthia Rowley, Dascha Polanco, James Aguiar, Jason Rembert, Kindred Lubeck, Priya Shukla, Tunde Oyeneyin, and more joined on the night that was sponsored by Delta, Mikimoto, Bartlett Tree Experts, and Hearst.
BRONX, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: Arielle Patrick attends the New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball at New York Botanical Garden on June 04, 2026 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for New York Botanical Garden)
The dazzling night also included moments previewing the site installations on view in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and its lawn. Not to be missed by visitors this summer, the exhibition invites you to “come together” and embrace flowers as meaningful symbols in our own lives. On select upcoming evenings, Liquid Light Shows celebrate the era with live music and colorful visuals by Liquid Light Lab.
BRONX, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: (L-R) Donna Craft and Mar Jennings attend the New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball at New York Botanical Garden on June 04, 2026 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for New York Botanical Garden)
