Pollinator Express

Pollinator Express is coming to the Holden Arboretum, featuring miniature trains and larger-than-life pollinator sculptures.

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Now open through September 8th

Hours:
Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-8pm
Monday: Closed

Admission:
$20 per nonmember adult, $14 per nonmember child, free children under 2, free for members

buy tickets

Pollinators are pulling into the station at the Holden Arboretum this summer! Get ready to be inspired by an imaginative world of miniature trains and larger-than-life botanical sculptures. The exhibit features G-scale model trains chugging through a landscape of iconic sculptures that depict unique plants from around the globe, paired with the insects and animals they depend on for pollination. Exhibit included with admission.

Trains and pollinators are on their way!

Sneak preview of Pollinator Express at the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio

Exhibit Q&A

Why is the name Pollinator Express?

These two words represent the essence of this exhibit – trains and nature! Not only can guests to the Arboretum enjoy watching model trains moving through a colorful garden, the exhibit features a set of whimsical pollinator sculptures.

Where will this exhibit be located?

The exhibit is about 0.3 miles from the Corning Visitor Center, around a garden bed that’s located at the south edge of the Main Display Garden. A story trail will help guide visitors from the Arboretum trailhead to the exhibit site.

Who designed this exhibit?

The creative team at Applied Imagination designed and built the Pollinator Express botanical sculptures and model railroad displays. Laura Busse Dolan, daughter of founder Paul Busse, leads a team that includes 15 full-time artisans, fabricators, and model train experts based in Alexandria, Kentucky. Since its founding in 1991, Applied Imagination has created countless award-winning garden railway displays across the country.

The exhibit garden bed has been recently transformed into a pollinator paradise thanks to the Holden Arboretum horticulture team. Horticulturalist Sandi Cesarov oversees the Arboretum’s Main Display Gardens and developed the dynamic design that features both annual and perennial flora, with species chosen especially to attract our native pollinators.

How long did it take to build?

The entire exhibition took about a year to develop – including finding a great location on the grounds, designing the railroad track and supporting structures, garden design, exhibit building, site preparation, and installation of pathways, exhibitry, and plantings.

What scale are the model trains?

The trains in our exhibit are G-Scale, sized to a scale of 1 : 22.5. This size is stronger and more robust than typical indoor railways, making it a good fit for outdoor and garden use.

Will the trains still operate in rainy or windy conditions?

It depends! A little rain or wind is no problem for the robust G-scale track and railroad cars, but they don’t operate well in extreme weather like thunderstorms or high winds. You can assume that, if the Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower are closed due to weather, the trains will be resting as well.

Do I need a special ticket to view this exhibit?

No special ticket is required – Pollinator Express is included in general admission. We look forward to seeing you soon!