Ecovative at the New York Botanical Garden
At the heart of the Wonderland: Curious Nature exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden, Ecovative is bringing the magic of mycelium to life. This exhibition, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, invites visitors to step into a surreal world of oversized plants, whimsical art installations, and interactive experiences. Among the most captivating elements of this journey is the Homegrown, a mycelium-based structure created by architect André Kong, with thousands of mycelium bricks grown by Ecovative’s expert team.
Mycelium and the Homegrown Mushroom House
A central feature of the Wonderland exhibition, the Homegrown exemplifies how mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be used as a sustainable, innovative building material. The entire structure was built using mycelium bricks, developed and grown by Ecovative. The mushroom house not only showcases the durability and versatility of mycelium but also highlights its potential to revolutionize eco-friendly construction. This immersive, nature-inspired creation fits perfectly into the whimsical and surreal theme of Wonderland, aligning with the exhibition’s vision of connecting nature with imagination.
Grow.bio’s GIY Workshop: Hands-On Fun with Mycelium
Ecovative’s involvement in Wonderland goes beyond architectural contributions. The team hosted an educational workshop introducing attendees to the wonders of mycelium. Over the course of the weekend, participants learned how to grow mycelium using Grow It Yourself® (GIY) materials, creating mycelium eggs as part of the hands-on activity. This experience has become an ongoing daily activity at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Here, children can not only cultivate their own mycelium creations but also help Humpty Dumpty rebuild his wall using giant mycelium bricks provided by Ecovative.
This interactive approach allows children and families to engage with the unique properties of mycelium, emphasizing both its structural capabilities and its potential as an eco-friendly material. Visitors can experience the joy of imaginative play, all while learning about the ecological importance of fungi.
Magic Mushroom Weekend: September 14–15, 2024
Ecovative is gearing up for the much-anticipated Magic Mushroom Weekend, part of the Wonderland exhibition’s broader programming, taking place on September 14–15, 2024. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ecovative’s Grow.bio booth will be stationed next to the Homegrown mushroom house, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the magic of mycelium. Attendees can discover how to use GIY materials to grow mycelium at home and dive deeper into the science and artistry behind mycelium technology.
Special guests will include Grace Knight of Ecovative, who will share her GIY design expertise and passion for mycelium, alongside Melany Kahn, author of Mason Goes Mushrooming. Kahn will lead a storytime session followed by a fairy house building activity at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. An experienced mushroom forager, Kahn brings her unique insights into the world of fungi, adding a magical layer of storytelling to the event. Nora Chavooshian, artist and GIY maker, will also be showcasing her mycelium sculptures and sharing her experiences as a creator.
The Power of Mycelium: A New Frontier for Sustainability
Mycelium, the natural organism that forms the foundation of mushrooms, has become a game-changer in various industries, from construction to fashion and packaging. As a rapidly renewable resource, mycelium grows by breaking down agricultural waste, turning it into a durable and compostable material. Visitors can see firsthand how mycelium is shaping the future of sustainable design and construction.
The Magic Mushroom Weekend will provide an opportunity for visitors to celebrate mushrooms, through lectures, meet-and-greets (Eugenia Bone is attending!), activities, and more. In partnership with the New York Mycological Society, the event will highlight mushrooms and their many possibilities, from food and fashion to eco-friendly innovations and scientific breakthroughs.
Step Into Wonderland with Ecovative
The Wonderland exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden is a whimsical, thought-provoking experience that merges art, nature, and sustainability. The exhibition invites visitors of all ages to "get curious," explore, and learn about mycelium's role in the ecosystem and in our future.
Mark your calendars for September 14–15, 2024, and join us for Magic Mushroom Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden. The Wonderland: Curious Nature exhibition runs through October 27th. Whether you’re fascinated by fungi, curious about sustainability, or simply looking for a magical day out with the family, this is an event and exhibition you won’t want to miss.
