Pittsburgh Botanic Garden announces a larger-than-life summer exhibit, David Rogers’ Big Bugs + Pollinators, running this summer only, through September 15. Guests to the Garden will experience 10 large-scale sculptures of beneficial insects and pollinators. Boasting up to 20 feet wide and 18 feet long, the sculptures are hand-crafted using natural materials, highlighting the fascinating anatomy of each species.
Every installation is accompanied by a native plant that demonstrates the beneficial relationship these creatures share with plant life. Interactive programs, interpretive signage, and self-guided discovery of the Garden’s scenic 65 acres will help guests foster deep connections to the natural world.
“Insects and pollinators work in harmony with native plants to sustain and grow healthy environments where humans and wildlife alike can thrive. Everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe depends, in some way, on these small but mighty creatures.” said Keith S. Kaiser, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. “Big Bugs + Pollinators gives our guests the opportunity to discover these essential creatures on a grand scale!”
Sculptor and Creator of Big Bugs + Pollinators, David Rogers has always been drawn to nature, where his affinity for woodwork began. This is the first time his work will be featured at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. "I appreciate the role botanic gardens play in trying to educate their community about the sanctity of conservation… After all, good planets are hard to find," said Rogers.
David Rogers’ Big Bugs + Pollinators is included with the cost of daily admission to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and ends September 15, 2024. Daily programs are also included with admission. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden offers a curated gift and garden shop, Forage and Finds, as well as its Canopy Café with gourmet lunch options, light fare, coffee, tea, wine, beer and more. Admission is not required to shop and dine. Guests are encouraged to reserve timed tickets in advance at PittsburghBotanicGarden.org/BigBugs.
Big Bugs + Pollinators is made possible with funding from Grable Foundation and Laurel Foundation. Sculpture sponsors include: Calgon Carbon, Charles Pack Trust, Elizabeth Shiras Charitable Trust, EQT, FedEx, LANXESS, MSA: The Safety Company, Merit Electrical Group, Peoples Natural Gas, Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation and TriState Capital.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is located at 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Pittsburgh 15071. Garden features include Garden of the Five Senses, Allegheny Plateau Woodlands, and Hillside Pollinator Garden. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit PittsburghBotanicGarden.org or call 412-444-4464. Summer hours are Tuesdays 9 am – 5 pm; Wednesday and Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday through Sunday 9 am – 5 pm; Mondays Closed. Canopy Café is open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm, full lunch menu served 11 am – 2 pm.
