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The enchanting world of Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time has captivated hearts and ignited imaginations at the San Antonio Botanical Garden for months now. Guests have lounged by the lake with the mermaid and marveled at a 25-foot dragon protecting its treasure on the Lucile Halsell Conservatory lawn. But as all good things must end, this fantastical journey is now entering its final weeks. Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time will depart from the garden on Oct. 29.
Now is your moment if you haven’t had the chance to explore this breathtaking exhibition or want to experience it again. Embark on an extraordinary adventure that will transport you to the realms of your favorite fairy tales before Imaginary Worlds departs from the garden.
From the very first step into the garden, Imaginary Worlds has been a journey through the pages of beloved stories. As you stroll through, you’ll encounter larger-than-life sculptures of your favorite fairy tale characters, brought to life in stunning detail. These fantastical living sculptures, which have been meticulously cared for all these months come straight from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, originally designed by Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal.
San Antonio, known for its relentless summer heat, posed a formidable challenge for the maintenance of these living plant sculptures. This summer, temperatures soared to record levels, but the horticulture team seemed to work their own magic in keeping the fairy tale giants of Imaginary Worlds lush, green and beautiful.
Behind the scenes, the horticulture team’s work was akin to a form of living artistry. They carefully trimmed, pruned, hand-watered and nurtured the hundreds of thousands of plants to maintain the intricate details of each installation.
The horticulture team’s commitment is a testament to their perseverance and love for their craft. Their dedication ensures that visitors of all ages can step into a world of wonder and whimsy, where the art of horticulture and the magic of imagination intertwine seamlessly.
As the sun sets on this remarkable exhibition, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is giving visitors one last chance to say farewell in style. Some of the favorites of Imaginary Worlds, including the 25-foot dragon, will be reimagined for the upcoming Lightscape exhibition. Imagine seeing a fire-breathing dragon as you roast marshmallows in a winter oasis. Lightscape will be an opportunity to see a few of these beloved characters and scenes in a whole new light, quite literally.
Remember that this is not truly a goodbye, but a “see you later” as these beloved installations are reimagined for Lightscape. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones and prepare to be enchanted again, in a holiday oasis of light and sound. Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime experience slip through your fingers. Visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden, bid adieu to Imaginary Worlds and welcome the anticipation of Lightscape as it promises to shine even brighter.
As we celebrate the wonder of imagination and creativity, let us carry the enchantment of Imaginary Worlds with us, knowing that the memories and inspiration it has provided will continue to bloom and grow in our hearts and minds.
Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon A Time is presented by the Mays Family Foundation.

