An international orchid show and sale will transform the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University into a colorful paradise Friday through Sunday, April 11-13. Presented in collaboration with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society, the show features spectacular orchids from around the world for show and sale, free guided tours, free lectures, and more. The orchid show is free with regular museum admission.

Avid photographers, passionate gardeners, enthusiastic orchid growers and people who simply enjoy the captivating beauty of orchids will marvel at the complexity and diversity of the world’s largest family of flowering plants. More than 30 intriguing garden exhibits and floral arrangements by top local, regional and international growers will be artfully arrayed throughout the museum.

The displays will be judged and awarded prizes by the American Orchid Society. Visitors who come Friday afternoon will be able to talk with the judges and learn about the criteria they used to pick the winners. An extensive sale area featuring vendors from Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brazil, Ecuador, and the United States will offer a wide variety of orchid plants, growing supplies, giftware and orchid expertise.

“The International Orchid Show is a fantastic opportunity to not only enjoy the splash of beautiful orchids in a welcoming museum atmosphere, but also to learn a little about their amazing diversity,” said Academy President and CEO George W. Gephart Jr. “Some of them are almost unbelievable.”

The SEPOS International Orchid Show and Sale, now in its second year at the Academy of Natural Sciences, is the largest orchid show of its kind in the United States outside Florida and California. In addition to the floral displays, visitors will enjoy:

• guided tours of the displays
• talks by orchid growers
• behind-the-scenes tours of the Academy’s Botany Herbarium for a presentation on rare orchids from Pennsylvania and New Jersey
• live animal encounters 
• outside café with special seating, including happy hour on Friday, April 11, from 5-8 p.m.
• valet parking
• discounted Friday evening hours

Show hours are:

• Friday, April 11, noon–8 p.m. Museum admission will be discounted from 5–8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

The museum will be closed Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, until noon in preparation for the show.

For more information, visit the Academy’s website or call 215-299-1000.