Bruce Munro at Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden (DBG) is one of my favorite attractions in the Phoenix area. No matter how often I visit, I’m always awed by the diversity of the desert. The Southwest is truly a wondrous place and there is no better venue to see such a unique display of Sonoran plant-life than the Desert Botanical Garden.

Water Towers Bruce Munro exhibit at Desert Botanical Garden by MikesRoadTrip.com
Bruce Munro “Water Towers” at Desert Botanical Garden (illuminated bottles of water stacked to form a tower)

Beyond the featured cacti in their well manicured environment, the DBG frequently has special exhibitions on display. Sometimes on a grand scale, like the ambitious architectural installation of Dale Chihuly a couple of years ago. This year, famed UK artist Bruce Munro has infused (and installed) his artistic light extravaganza, transforming the gardens into an awe-inspiring spectacle. From the “water tower” installation made up of thousands of water bottles injected with light, to an entire mountain covered in a “field of light,” visitors will certainly be impressed. One thing that really stuck me was the type of lights being used, which seem unique and even one-of-a-kind—perhaps invented by Mr. Munro himself.

Becon by Bruce Munro at Desert Botanical Garden by MikesRoadTrip.com
Becon by Bruce Munro at DBG

Bruce Munro is a British artist known for his immersive and large-scale illuminated installations inspired by human interaction. Mr. Munro uses stimuli such as music, literature and science within the interpretation of his installations.

The Bruce Munro exhibit is open through May 8th, so if you’re in the Phoenix area, don’t miss a chance to see this wondrous display at the Desert Botanical Garden.

light display at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Photo by MikesRoadTrip.com

If you’ve ever seen a Bruce Munro exhibit, or visited the Desert Botanical Garden before, please leave a comment below and share your favorite highlights. Suggestion: Prior to visiting the Bruce Munro exhibit, have dinner at Gertrude’s, the restaurant located right in the garden, it’s fantastic!

Desert Botanical Garden Bruce Munro Exhibit Information:

Time Period: 6pm to 11pm daily.
Ticket Prices: $25 adults | $12.50 children (3-12)
Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 480-481-8188
Website: DBG.org

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Field of Light by Bruce Munro at DBG Phoenix by MikesRoadTrip.com

Chindi by Bruce Munro at DBG by MikesRoadTrip.com

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
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