A towering spider, bold blocks of color, and gourds inspired by Jackson Pollock: Dallas’ fall pumpkin tradition is taking a turn toward modern art.
Autumn at the Arboretum opens Saturday, September 19, with “Harvest Hues,” a new theme that transforms the Dallas Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village into an outdoor tribute to modern and contemporary artists.
More than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash will fill the garden during the seasonal celebration, which runs through November 1.
Six Pumpkin Houses will reinterpret artists’ signature styles using harvest materials, giving visitors a new backdrop for their fall photographs.
Pumpkins Meet Pollock
The Arboretum’s preview describes a house inspired by Piet Mondrian’s primary-color compositions, with geometric blocks recreated in pumpkins.
A tall, spindly spider inspired by Louise Bourgeois will perch atop another house. A Pollock-inspired design uses the varied shapes, sizes and colors of gourds to interpret the artist’s energetic style.
Other artistic influences include Basquiat, Rothko and Escher.
Members can get an early look during an exclusive preview on Friday, September 18, from 6–9 p.m. in the Pumpkin Village. The public opening follows Saturday morning.
What A Visit Will Cost
The Arboretum, at 8525 Garland Road, lists regular daytime hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
According to its admission page, adult admission is $21.95 Monday through Thursday and $25.95 Friday through Sunday. Children ages 3–12 pay $17.95 Monday through Thursday and $21.95 Friday through Sunday. Children younger than 3 enter free, according to the garden’s visitor information.
For two adults and two children ages 3–12, the listed admission prices total $95.80 Friday through Sunday or $79.80 Monday through Thursday, before parking and any applicable taxes or fees.
Parking costs $15 per vehicle, plus applicable taxes and fees. Members receive complimentary daytime admission and free parking for up to two vehicles registered in advance.
Discounts Worth Checking Before You Go
The garden offers buy-one-get-one-free daytime admission for eligible first responders, active-duty military personnel, veterans and certain local educators.
Eligible first responders include law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The educator offer applies to currently employed prekindergarten–12th-grade educators in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Kaufman, Tarrant or Denton counties.
Visitors using the offer must present the required service or teacher identification along with photo identification. The benefit covers the named individual and one guest, and discounts cannot be combined.
Visitors should purchase directly through the Arboretum’s website, which says third-party tickets and promotions are not accepted.
For families with flexible schedules, visiting Monday through Thursday offers a straightforward saving: $16 in admission for two adults and two children, with the same art-inspired pumpkin village waiting inside.
Provided by Dallas Express
