Over a million colourful lights will illuminate more than 40 installations depicting exotic plants and animals at the University of Warsaw’s Botanical Garden. The sixth edition of the MagicznyBotaniczny (MagicalBotanical) illumination exhibition will begin on 7th November.

The University of Warsaw and Lumagica – an international creator of light gardens – have, for the sixth time, organised the MagicznyBotaniczny exhibition, inspired by the world of plants and animals. This year’s edition will be dedicated to the natural diversity of the world’s exotic regions. The light installations will include, amongst others, flamingos, monkeys, a panda, an elephant, as well as inhabitants of a coral reef. Visitors will also see illuminated palm trees, cacti and impressively large models of insectivorous plants – Venus flytraps and pitcher plants.

The Magical Botanical illumination exhibition will be open until 14th February.

A luminous sanctuary

The exhibition route features more than 40 illuminated installations. Some of them will be on display in Poland for the first time.

“The University of Warsaw Botanic Garden is a place where curious minds and nature enthusiasts come together every day. It is a green sanctuary in the very heart of the capital, where we have been caring for plants and helping visitors discover their remarkable diversity for many years. With this year’s exhibition, we wanted to give our guests a little of the joy that comes with discovering something for the first time. Until now, we have mainly showcased species native to Polish ecosystems, but this time we invite visitors to explore the world of exotic plants and animals. We hope that many will leave the garden not only with beautiful photographs, but also with new stories to tell and a greater understanding of nature,” says Prof. Marcin Zych, Director of the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden.

The light exhibition will be accompanied by a family-friendly outdoor adventure game combining a visit to the garden with an opportunity to learn about the natural world. Participants will receive access to a virtual Traveller’s Passport, where they can collect stamps for completing a series of challenges.

The route will also feature logic puzzles, physical challenges and fascinating facts about exotic plant and animal species. The game is designed primarily for families with children aged 4 to 12. Small gifts will be awarded to those who complete all the challenges.

“Every year, we see how Lumagica’s illuminated pathways bring families together and create lasting memories, turning an ordinary evening into a special occasion. It is with moments like these in mind that we prepare each new edition. This year, many of the illuminated sculptures featured in the exhibition will be making their debut in Poland. We hope that Colours of the Exotic will fill our visitors with a sense of wonder that stays with them long after the lights go out, like a souvenir brought home from a distant journey,” says  Marzena Seweryniak, Lumagica project manager in Poland.

Botanical art

One of the highlights of this year’s exhibition will be a selection of works by Barbara Oozeerally, an artist specialising in botanical illustration. Her work is currently on display at the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden as part of the exhibition Four Seasons, her first solo exhibition in Poland.

During evening walks through the illuminated garden, some of her illustrations will be presented with specially designed lighting, offering visitors an opportunity to experience botanical art in a new light.