Bamboozled: An Unexpected Bamboo Adventure officially opens this Thursday, May 1! We are excited for the adventure to begin, and to ensure you’re prepared, we’ve put together this Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Bamboozled. Before you join our adventure, make sure to review this guide so you have all the tips and tricks to ensure the best experience possible! Once you’ve read everything, be sure to book your tickets!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Bamboozled: An Unexpected Bamboo Adventure features 8 monumental bird sculptures that have been placed throughout the Garden’s 87 acres. The walk to see each sculpture is over 1 mile, so make sure to wear your walking shoes!
  • All of the sculptures are placed along the route our accessibility vehicle takes to ensure ALL guests can experience this magical exhibit. The accessibility vehicle runs every 30 minutes throughout the weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is available upon request on weekdays. You can request the accessibility vehicle at the front window as you check in.
  • Those looking to enhance their visit can purchase a Secret Adventure Ticket, which comes with a FREE Adventure Kit that includes a special tool to enhance the interactive experience and an exclusive Secret Adventure Guide with behind-the-scenes insights and clues for further discovery. This ticket is $14 per Member and up to $31 for non-members (includes Garden General Admission).
  • For those who also want to visit SOAR, consider The Ultimate Ticket, which includes Bamboozled’s Secret Adventure Ticket, SOAR and the Butterfly Feeding experience! The Ultimate Ticket is a $45 value, but if you’re a Member, you get it all for just $26. You can purchase it on the SOAR ticketing page.

DURING YOUR VISIT

  • Keep your eyes and ears open for the bamboo wind chimes—they’ll help guide your journey.
  • In addition to our sculptures, there are three added stops along the way! Grab a map as you enter the garden so you don’t miss anything.
  • Throughout the Bamboozled exhibit, Dottie’s at the Koi Pond is now Dottie’s at the Koi Pond + Bamboo Bar! Open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, come enjoy this special new menu! 
  • Photography of the sculptures is welcome and encouraged. 
  • The sculptures are made to be interacted with (but don’t climb them).
  • Stop by the Kiosk in Palm Circle to shop Bamboozled-themed merchandise.

FAQ

Q: Who built the sculptures?
A: The sculptures were created by The Myth Makers,  Donna Dodson & Andy Moerlein. They have completed over 50 projects in the past 13 years. They have worked in 18 states, plus Switzerland, Vietnam and Taiwan. You can learn more about them here.

Q: What are the birds made out of?
A: Donna and Andy build their sculptures using bamboo poles and split bamboo, tied together with industrial double-loop wire ties for strength and durability. To bring each piece to life, they incorporate eye-catching details like mirrors or bike reflectors for the eyes, and add motion and color with materials such as zip ties, hardware cloth, plastic fencing, pinwheels, spray paint, and UV film. All materials are chosen for their durability in outdoor conditions and their visual impact. Whenever possible, the artists source recycled and repurposed decorations from local waste stream aggregators. Each sculpture is site-specific and thoughtfully designed to resonate with the setting and audience.

Q: How is the bamboo sourced? 
A:
The Myth Makers have built a partnership with a small bamboo farmer in Georgia.

Q: How much does each sculpture weigh? 
A: You might be surprised as they are surprisingly light! Their approximate weight are below.

  • Hummingbird: approx. 50 lbs.
  • Cactus wren: approx. 200 lbs.
  • Yellow-chevroned parakeet: approx. 200 lbs.
  • Common Ravens: approx. 300 lbs each.
  • Great Horned Owl: approx. 300 lbs.
  • Platinum Peahen: approx. 500 lbs.
  • Scrub jay: approx. 200 lbs. 

Q: Which is the tallest sculpture?
A: The Platinum Peahen is the tallest at 25 feet tall!