Dallas Arboretum Extends Chihuly Exhibition as Gift to the City from the Board of Directors

DALLAS, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chihuly exhibition has been extended through December 31 as a holiday gift to the City of Dallas from the Arboretum Board of Directors.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121024/DC99231)

"The citizens of Dallas will now be able to enjoy the Chihuly exhibition throughout the holiday season because of the generous gift from the Board of Directors," Mayor Mike Rawlings said. "We thank the board for bringing this exhibition to Dallas and we applaud their efforts in extending the show to ensure it is enjoyed for two more months."

Initially set to close on November 5, the dramatic works of art by Chihuly have been seen by over 461,332 visitors since opening on May 5, with many visiting multiple times over the past 6 months prompting membership to grow by around 34% from 25,200 to over 33,874.

Not only are people visiting the exhibition they are taking Chihuly gift items related to the exhibition home with them as gift store sales have reached  nearly $1.3 million. That includes purchases of over 61 Chihuly Studio Editions and 56 lithographs. Extending the exhibition will give visitors a chance to purchase Chihuly gift items for the holidays available in the Hoffman Family Gift Store.

"We have seen visitors from all over Texas, the country and the world," said Brian Shivers, Chairman of the Board of the Botanic Garden. "The response was so great and we were hearing that people needed more time to visit and wanted to bring family and friends during the holidays."

Attendance has been most significant for Chihuly Nights with most selling out weeks in advance.  

The Arboretum's success has also benefited area tourism and travel with Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business estimating the Arboretum's economic impact on the Dallas economy totaling between $147 million to $174 million this year.

Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas day.  General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65 and over), and $9 for children ages 12 – 3. Children under 2 and members are free.

In November and December, enjoy special Chihuly Nights when the garden is open to the public Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and every night from Wednesday, December 26 – Sunday, December 30 excluding November 21 and December 24. Separate admission is required for Chihuly Nights at $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 children ages 12 – 3. Member prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $9 children ages 12 – 3. Advanced tickets are required for all evening events and available exclusively online.

Group tours, parties and meetings for individuals or corporations are still available by calling 214.515.6569. 

Dining options and warm beverages will be offered during daytime and evening hours at the various dining locations throughout the garden.  Harvest and Holiday Tea are offered 7 days a week with seatings at 11 am and 2 pm. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 214.515.6511.  

For information or tickets visit www.dallasarboretum.org or call 214.515.6515.

After Chihuly, the nationally-acclaimed Dallas Blooms opens next year from March 3 – April 8 and the much anticipated 8-acre Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden opens in May.

Contact:
Wendy Rentz
Public Relations Manager
214.515.6521
[email protected]

SOURCE Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens