The Chicago Park District opened Pigments!, the 2026 Artist’s Garden Flower Show, at Garfield Park Conservatory on July 1. The outdoor exhibit runs through September 13 and explores the history and uses of plant pigments.
The show features plants that have been used throughout history to impart color to textiles, paints, inks and cosmetics. Pigments can be derived from a variety of botanical sources, including the indigo plant, henna plant and even sunflower seeds—all plants growing in the outdoor garden this year.
“This show was designed to show the deep connection between nature, culture and creation,” says Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. “As visitors explore the garden, we hope they discover something unexpected and see how plants and flowers can spark curiosity, inspire creativity and bring joy.”
In addition to the plants and flowers growing in the Artist’s Garden, accompanying messaging explains the different ways pigments are created from those plants.
Location: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago. For more information or to make a reservation (required), visit GarfieldConservatory.org.
