As McKee celebrates the 25th anniversary of its reopening, we honor not only the preservation of a historic cultural landscape, but the Garden’s enduring role as a beacon of conservation and education.

In October McKee will present a collection of sculptures by internationally renowned artists Gillie & Marc, widely recognized as the world’s most prolific creators of public art. Devoted to raising awareness for the planet’s most endangered animals, their work brings a hopeful message into the landscape. Baby giraffe, cheetah, elephant, hippo, bear, zebra, arctic fox, and giant tortoise sculptures will find a home along the Garden’s winding paths, set among century-old state champion trees, rare waterlilies, and award-winning living collections.

In a thoughtful echo of McKee’s own story of rescue and renewal, these works remind us that just as this garden was saved, so too can these remarkable species be protected. The resonance is powerful: saving a garden and saving a species both require vision, courage, commitment, and the belief that beauty and life are worth preserving.

Jungle Lights opens November 29 expanding to 31 nights of holiday wonder. Bring your friends, family, and loved ones into a dazzling holiday wonderland, where glowing jungle trails, the sounds of the wild, and towering handcrafted animal lanterns inspired by the magic of Amazonia illuminate McKee’s historic landscape in a joyful season of light.

This years experience connects the glowing plants and animals of Amazonia with a profoundly moving presence: endangered African baby animals created by internationally acclaimed artists Gillie & Marc. Together, these sculpted forms and luminous lanterns trace a story that spans continents and centuries.

Other highlights include: a 30-foot Christmas tree wrapped in red and white lights, lots of trees and hardscapes wrapped in red and white candy cane lights, to include Candy Cane Lane; a 15-foot living Christmas tree made from 375 bromeliads and orchids; the Great Reindeer Hall, where a soaring 16-foot Rudolph keeps a watchful eye on Santa and his sleigh, just outside; a large-scale model train weaving through a Swiss Alpine Village.

McKee’s Garden Café will be open and offering an assortment of holiday treats and the Garden Gift & Book Shop is filled with gift ideas for the whole family, including McKee’s very own Commemorative Book, A Jungle Garden: Preserving a Tropical Landscape, the ultimate coffee table holiday gift for any family member, friend or loved one.

Closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

Graphic Rewilding, founded by creative duo Catherine Borowski and Lee Baker, are on a mission to transform urban spaces with their vast, nature inspired, immersive art.

By uniting art and community, they create a colorful hybrid world where nature is reimagined on a maximalist, pictorial scale, embracing what they call “microscopic maximalism.” Through this approach, the tiniest details are magnified to monumental proportions, revealing the hidden magic in everyday life and sparking a sense of childlike wonder in their viewers.

At McKee, where nature is already prominent, it will highlight the vast living collection of the Gardens flowers, with a jaw-dropping “entrance takeover”, large format banners in the Royal Palm Grove and signature Flower Clouds where visitors can interact and pose with the artwork.

The 18^th Annual Motor Car Exhibition will be celebrating this year’s All-American Sports Cars.

Discover a spectacular collection of over 25 original classic American sports cars displayed throughout the Garden. Admire iconic favorites such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, and other beautifully preserved classics that showcase the innovation, performance, and style of American automotive history.

Whether you’re a devoted car enthusiast or simply appreciate exceptional design, this one-day exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience these legendary vehicles surrounded by the natural beauty of McKee Botanical Garden.