Gardens sets revenue record with exhibit

SARASOTA — Sarasota's Marie Selby Botanical Gardens set revenue records with its horticultural exhibit “The Orchid Show: Earth, Air, Fire, Water.”

Overall revenue increased 27% year-over-year, according to a press release. Specific revenue figures weren't disclosed.

The Orchid Show ran for six weeks from mid-October through Thanksgiving weekend. It set new revenue records in several areas, including attendance, retail, food service and membership sales. Compared to the same timeframe last year, admission revenue is up 28%, retail shop revenue is up 28% and membership revenue is up 26%.

The show was preceded by the exhibit “Marc Chagall, Flowers and the French Riviera: The Color of Dreams.” The Chagall exhibit had a six-month run, attracted 100,000 guests and also set revenue records.

“With these specialized shows, we have the opportunity to share with more and more people the importance of plants in our world, from the most basic resources they provide to us like air to breathe, to the influence they have on our creative spirits,” says Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki in a statement.

The next exhibit at the gardens will be “Warhol: Flowers in the Factory.” It will run Feb. 11 to June 30, 2018 and feature botanical imagery of Andy Warhol.