Behind the scenes at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with John Vanderhaagen(04-05-25)

WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

On this week's episode, we welcome John VanderHaagen - Director of Communications, with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

John provided us with a timely update on some important and newsworthy happenings at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

As the curtain falls on another long West Michigan winter, it's that time of year again when the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory comes alive with the return of Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming!

The annual Butterflies are Blooming exhibit continues through April 30, 2025.

John reminded us that the butterfly exhibit is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States.

Meijer Gardens is also offering three after-hours events for our community members with disabilities.

John told us that the gardens will be offering complimentary after-hours access for visitors with autism or other sensory processing needs, visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), and visitors who are blind or have low vision.

We also previewed the dates for the upcoming Fifth Third Bank summer concert series, as well as the free Tuesday night concerts as a part of the Tuesday Evening Music Club.

Finally, John reminded us of the opening of a new exhibit, BUSTED: Contemporary Sculpture Busts.

BUSTED opened in early April and runs through September 20, 2025.

It showcases the ancient sculpture genre as radically transformed by 21st-century artists. Throughout history, sculpted busts have served to commemorate and preserve the likeness of distinguished individuals, and to celebrate divinity or nobility.

Online: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.