Mysterious tales of the orchid

Orchids have driven rational people to crazy extremes for centuries. What makes this flower so irresistible? That’s exactly the question explored by Auckland Museum’s multi-sensory exhibition Wonderland: The Mystery of the Orchid.

Opening in the Special Exhibitions Hall on 3rd July, Wonderland embraces cutting-edge technology to bring stories of the orchid to life in vivid detail.

Innovations include the latest in multi-touch panels, as well as scent stations, soundscape posts and stereographic 3D goggles.

These innovations are fused with the artistic vision of leading exhibition designer Marion Lyonnais, who created the popular Secrets Revealed.

“I wanted to design an immersive sensory feast for visitors. By stepping into this exhibition you are transported to a garden wonderland of orchid tales and flower-inspired objects from the museum’s rich collections,” says Ms Lyonnais.

“This exhibition is about telling the extraordinary stories of the orchid family in unique and accessible ways,” says Auckland Museum director, Dr Vanda Vitali.

“It’s a chance for Aucklanders of all ages to explore the lengths people have gone to in their pursuit of this mysterious flower. From ancient Greek poets, to Confucius, Victorian hunters and modern day growers, the orchid has long made its way under our skin.”

The concept development for Wonderland was a collaborative effort involving Auckland Museum’s exhibition developers and writers, botany staff and orchid experts from NZ and around the world.

The Mystery of the Orchid is the first chapter in a two-part exhibition exploring stories of the world’s most popular flowers. The second chapter, Wonderland: The Magic of the Rose, opens in October.

Wonderland: The Mystery of the Orchid is an experience best described by Lewis Carroll’s Alice: “Curiouser and curiouser!” And the exhibition is free for children. Discover the obsession.

It opens Friday, 3rd July, in the Special Exhibitions Hall, Auckland Museum. Cost: Adults $8, Members and Concession $6, Children free.