A Family Adventure at the Dallas Arboretum: Discovering Hunt Slonem's Enchanting Art Exhibition

Our family has always found joy in exploring the Dallas Arboretum, a place where nature and beauty come together in perfect harmony. This year, we are especially excited about a new experience waiting for us: the Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies exhibition. Running from April 20 to September 30, 2026, this event promises to transform the Arboretum into a lively, open-air gallery filled with colorful, large-scale art inspired by the natural world.

Exploring the Exhibition’s Unique Art Installations

The exhibition features 28 monumental installations and over 100 works of art, including pieces created just for the Arboretum. As we imagine walking through the 66-acre garden, we picture sculptures of bunnies, birds, and butterflies scattered throughout the landscape. These sculptures are not just ordinary statues; many have mirrored surfaces that reflect the changing sunlight, creating a dynamic experience that shifts with the day.

The art is displayed both outdoors and inside the Historic Camp House, where a curated gallery offers a closer look at Slonem’s work. This mix of natural surroundings and indoor gallery space means visitors can enjoy a variety of perspectives and settings. Each step along the garden paths reveals something new, turning familiar trails into moments of discovery.

Why Hunt Slonem’s Art Feels Special

Hunt Slonem is known for his use of vivid colors and layered textures. His art often draws inspiration from nature and his beloved pet birds, making this exhibition a perfect fit for the Arboretum. His work is part of more than 250 museum collections worldwide, including prestigious places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

What makes this exhibition stand out is that it is Slonem’s first garden-scale project. This means the art is designed to interact with the environment on a large scale, blending with the Arboretum’s flowers, trees, and open spaces. For families like ours who love spending time outdoors, this offers a fresh way to experience art—one that feels alive and connected to nature.

Special Events That Bring the Garden to Life

One of the most exciting parts of the exhibition is the Twilight Nights event, happening from May 1 to September 27 on select Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. During these evenings, the garden transforms as fading light enhances the mirrored surfaces and deepens the bold colors of the sculptures.

Visitors can enjoy specialty cocktails, curated bites, and live music while wandering through the illuminated garden. The atmosphere promises to be magical, with art and nature blending under the stars. Tickets for Twilight Nights are sold separately, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead if you want to experience this unique event.

Our family looks forward to discovering how the art changes with the light and seasons. We imagine the kids’ delight at spotting the whimsical bunnies and butterflies hidden among the flowers.

Why This Exhibition Is a Perfect Family Experience

The combination of art and nature makes this exhibition especially appealing for families. It encourages curiosity and exploration, inviting visitors to slow down and notice details in both the sculptures and the garden. The playful themes of bunnies, birds, and butterflies resonate with children and adults alike, sparking imagination and joy.

Visiting the Dallas Arboretum is already a favorite family outing, and this exhibition adds a new layer of excitement. It offers a chance to connect with art in a setting that feels welcoming and alive. For families who enjoy spending time outdoors and appreciate creative expression, this event is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories.