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Today's Family Magazine

Holden Arboretum and local artists create an imaginative outdoor fairyland with fairy doors

It appears that fairies have moved into the woodland forests and gardens at Holden Arboretum and now through August 27, 2020 children of all ages can see the signs for themselves!  The arboretum team worked together with northeast Ohio artists to create seven woodland and garden homes for elusive fairies who chose the arboretum as their summer home.  Thirty handcrafted fairy doors created by seven artists invite guests to explore deep into the forests and gardens on an interactive scavenger hunt. 

There are two ways to experience the exhibit (printed maps will be available upon request at the entrance Gatehouse):

Hunt on your own! As you make your way through the trails of the arboretum, see how many you can find as you look high and low in gardens filled with flowers and along woodland trails.  The experience is also offered in rich detail through technology while emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship.

Use technology. Visitors can be guided to each fairy community through an interactive mobile phone application. Each destination highlights the plants and trees that the fairies chose to live among, and beautifully handcrafted fairy doors mark the entrance to the fairy homes. Visitors are invited to discover a unique story that can be accessed via QR code signs at each site.

The exhibit features the work of seven local artists including Tracey Gardner, Jane Baeslach & Coletta Baeslach Arian, Erin Canales, Bette & Robb Durr, Beth Lynne Gregerson, Amanda Nyx and Tammy Shella.

Fairy Doors is sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

The exhibit is included with general admission to the Holden Arboretum.  Admission cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children three to 12 years old and free for children 2 and under.  The Arboretum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Advanced reservations are required and can be made online at holdenarb.org or by calling (440) 946-4400. 

The Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower are included with admission and are open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.