The Immersive Bubble Art Exhibit at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe presents a new seasonal exhibit featuring towering iridescent bubbles transforming the landscape into an immersive world. This exhibit, titled “Evanescent,” is part of the “Shimmering Summer” program and is open from June 6 to September 20. Visitors of the 385-acre garden can engage with large-scale bubble sculptures that capture life’s fleeting nature, designed by Australian duo Atelier Sisu.

Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president of visitor events and programs, explained that the installation mimics the ethereal quality of bubbles. She added that the garden’s summer programming aims to extend this playfulness to all ages. This exhibit is a part of their research initiative exploring the interaction between art and nature.

Zombolo highlighted that Sydney-based Atelier Sisu, founded by Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield, is featured for the first time in a U.S. botanical garden. The duo specializes in using abstract forms of light and sound to evoke emotional inclusivity. “Evanescent” reflects life’s transient beauty and wonder, inspired by experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Shimmering Summer” opens on June 6 with weekend events such as bubble performances, glass blowing, hula-hoop artists, and live music. These activities continue throughout the summer. Visitors can interact with sculptures located at multiple garden areas including the lawn south of Buehler Enabling Garden, near the Serpentine Bridge, Farm on Ogden, Harvest Headquarters, Visitor Center, and Festival Field.

Opening weekend activities at Festival Field run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 6 and 7, inclusive with admission tickets. A Garden View Cafe pop-up offers refreshments like “bubble skewers” and bubble tea.

Summer events include music programming on the Esplanade every Monday and Wednesday evening, game nights on Thursdays from June 18, and weekend events like the Heirloom Tomato Fest in late August.

The public summer hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; members have access from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $22.95 for Cook County adult residents to $24.95 for non-residents and $14.95 to $16.95 for children aged 3-12. Children under 2 are free.

Zombolo expressed excitement about the exhibit’s progression, hoping it will attract families to enjoy nature in an interactive and immersive way.