GLEAM tickets go on sale Monday, August 5 at 10 a.m.

Timed Ticketing

Advanced timed ticketing ensures shorter entry lines, even visitor flow, and ample traffic. Guests are admitted every 15 minutes. No onsite ticket sales.

Need ticket assistance call 608-243-0156 - available Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. 

GLEAM viewings take place rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable/non-transferrable (date).

Parking

  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ parking lot accommodates 210 cars.
  • Check out the Alternative Parking Map  prior to your visit to identify a plan B in case the Gardens’ parking lot is full.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchairs, (2) electric scooters, and (2) upright rollator walkers are available - first-come, first-served.
  • The majority of the tour route consists of flat, 6'-12’ wide brick or cement pathways.

Exhibit Route

  • Access a mobile-friendly map on your own phone.
  • Exhibit can be easily navigated without use of a map - follow onsite wayfinding markers.
  • 0.67 mile loop moving counter-clockwise around the outer pathways of the Gardens.
  • On average guests spend an hour to an hour and half enjoying the exhibit.
  • Guests are admitted through Olbrich Gardens’ main entrance and then proceed to the outdoor gardens to preview the first installation
  • After viewing the final installation guests will exit the way they came in through the main lobby.
  • Due to building assessments and restoration projects the Bolz Conservatory and Thai Garden/Sala will not be included on the exhibit route.

Potential Navigation Challenges

There are four areas that may present access barriers for persons with disabilities. In most cases, guests can select to view these installations from the solid, flat main exhibit pathway.

  • Flagstone pathway between Jane (1st installation) and Polymery (2nd installation) can be challenging for a wheelchair to navigate.
    Alternative - straight brick pathway in the Meadow Garden
  • Yield (4th installation) located in the Serenity Garden is positioned in wide open grassy area with mulched pathways.
    Alternative - view the installation from main pathway and then continue on the exhibit route
  • Star-stuff (5th installation) in the Autumn Garden featured narrow fine gravel pathways.
    Alternative - continue on the main tram pathway after viewing Yield - ask a volunteer for guidance.
  • Time Stretched Thin (8th installation) on the Great Lawn is positioned on a wide open the lawn area.
    Alternative  - view installation from the main pathway

For onsite assistance talk with our staff and volunteer GLEAM hosts positioned throughout the exhibit route, wearing brightly colored glow necklaces - they love to help!

Cancellation Policy

  • Tickets are non-refundable / non-transferrable (to another date/time)
  • Evening viewings of the GLEAM exhibit take place rain or shine.
  • In the event of severe weather, Olbrich Botanical Gardens may close the GLEAM exhibit.
  • Cancellations are posted on Olbrich Gardens’ homepage and social media by 5 p.m.
  • Tickets for a cancelled viewing dates will be refunded. Patrons can repurchase for another available date at their convenience.

Additional Information

  • Restrooms are available in Olbrich's Lobby.
  • Inclusive restrooms are available in the Frautschi Family Learning Center.

A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available in Olbrich's lobby on Friday and Saturday evenings. Cash or credit cards accepted. Carry-ins not allowed.

Most installations feature a soundscape, the use of sound and music to create the atmosphere of a story being told. These sounds may include background noises, sound effects, spoken words, or musical instruments.

During high traffic periods, typically Friday & Saturday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. you may encounter an optional wait to directly interact with certain installations. Guests are welcome to view the installation and continue on the tour route if they do not wish to wait in line. Some alternative routes are noted on the map with a dotted line.

Guests are welcome, in fact encouraged, to take photos of the exhibit.
Please be mindful of other guests when taking photographs, avoid blocking the traffic flow through the exhibit route.
Monopod acceptable, no tripods, please.

Looking for a more grown up experience at GLEAM. Visit on school days (Wed/Thurs) or later entry times when the littles one are sweet dreaming.

Questions?

Call (608) 246-5616 or email mjeanne@cityofmadison.com.

Tickets on sale now!

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