The Dallas Arboretum is kicking off its autumn season on Saturday, September 19, with a brand‑new theme called “Harvest Hues.” The celebration transforms the beloved Pumpkin Village into an outdoor gallery that pays tribute to modern and contemporary artists using more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash.
Artistic Pumpkin Houses Bring Modern Masters to Life
Six specially designed Pumpkin Houses reinterpret the signature styles of iconic creators. One house mimics Piet Mondrian’s iconic primary‑color grids, arranging pumpkins into crisp geometric blocks. Another features a tall, spindly spider inspired by Louise Bourgeois, perched dramatically atop the structure. A third house channels Jackson Pollock’s energetic splatter technique, using a kaleidoscope of gourds in varied shapes and colors to evoke the painter’s famous drip paintings.
Additional influences include the bold lines of Basquiat, the color fields of Mark Rothko, and the impossible perspectives of M.C. Escher. Each installation offers a fresh backdrop for family photos and invites visitors to explore the intersection of nature and modern art.
Visitor Information and Admission Details
Members receive an exclusive preview on Friday, September 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., allowing an early look at the artistic displays before the public opening the next morning. The Arboretum, located at 8525 Garland Road, operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the season.
Adult admission is $21.95 Monday through Thursday and $25.95 Friday through Sunday. Children ages 3–12 pay $17.95 Monday through Thursday and $21.95 Friday through Sunday; children under three enter free. A family of two adults and two children ages 3–12 will pay $79.80 on weekdays or $95.80 on weekends, before parking and applicable taxes.
Parking is $15 per vehicle, plus taxes and fees. Members enjoy complimentary daytime admission and free parking for up to two pre‑registered vehicles. The Arboretum also offers a buy‑one‑get‑one‑free daytime admission for eligible first responders, active‑duty military personnel, veterans and qualifying educators from Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Kaufman, Tarrant and Denton counties. Proof of service or teaching credentials and a photo ID are required; the benefit covers the individual and one guest and cannot be combined with other discounts.
Tips for Families
Visiting Monday through Thursday provides a $16 savings for a family of four compared with weekend rates, while still offering the full “Harvest Hues” experience. Tickets should be purchased directly through the Arboretum’s website, as third‑party sales and promotions are not accepted.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a pumpkin‑loving family, or simply looking for a seasonal outing, the Dallas Arboretum’s modern‑art pumpkin village promises a unique and memorable fall tradition for the Dallas community.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
