Annual Events

As you explore our gardens and grounds—indoors and out—note the rich color palette, tempting textures, and striking details of this year’s exhibition theme: Unexpected Color.

The beloved University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition begins in November and runs through the entire month of December and into January each year. It includes more than 40 trees and cultural displays, over 300,000 colorful lights both indoors and outdoors, choirs, rooftop reindeer, as well as the wonderful Railway Garden.

The Christmas Cabaret is back after a three-year hiatus and we're celebrating the 25th year of this festive event! We are excited to celebrate the holiday season with you thanks in large part to the generosity of our presenting sponsor, Old National Bank. We invite you to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you see the season in a new light at the University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition! This year we’re illuminating the ways in which diverse cultures use light—featuring winter plantings, the artistry of our adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden.

The beloved Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming annual exhibition features thousands of tropical butterflies from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia flying freely in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Every year, from March 1 through April 30, experience butterflies close up and watch them emerge from their chrysalises—right before your eyes.