UPDATE: The exhibit has been extended beyond its original end date of May 13, 2018. It is now on display through May 28, 2018.

An exhibit that’s as much about beauty and art as it is about education is now open at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha. “Metamorphosis: From Reclaimed Plastics to Works of Art” is on display through May 28, 2018. Most exhibit pieces are indoors, making it a perfect destination in the winter.

I received complimentary admission to Lauritzen Gardens to share the experience with you. If you’ve never taken your kids to visit Lauritzen before, be sure to read this guide to taking kids to Lauritzen Garden.

What to expect at Metamorphosis

There 18 pieces from birds to aquatic creatures to a rainbow in this exhibit. Two artists, Aurora Robson and Sayaka Ganz, created most of it (a third artist, Jim Merz, worked with Ganz to create the Luminariales). The exhibit has a message of environmental stewardship and is thought provoking. You might not look at plastic the same way again.

The fun part is identifying the objects used to create each piece. There’s a free scavenger hunt that’s good for encouraging you to look even closer at each piece.

What the kids like

My youngest loved the scavenger hunt, but also was frustrated with it. Trying to find about 60 objects while not being able to read the list objects was an obstacle. It didn’t stop her, but it slowed her down.

Each of us had our favorite pieces. My kids were interested in the marine animals that Ganz so creatively created out of plastic. My son loved the large blue whale in the tropical house of the Conservatory.

The phoenix was a close second for him.

My daughter liked the dolphins, which were floating near some pretty neat jellyfish.

Me? I was blown away by Robson’s vortex in the Floral Display Hall. It was gorgeous and huge and kept drawing me in.

You have to see it in person to really get the impact, but if you can’t make, check out my video:

https://www.facebook.com/ohmyomaha/videos/1764603196905308/

If you go

“Metamorphosis: From Reclaimed Plastics to Works of Art”

Where: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.

When: Now through May 28, 2018; garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit nightly from 5 to 8 p.m. for  “Metamorphosis: Art Aglow” through March 4

Cost: Included with admission, which is $10, adults; $5, children (ages 6-12); and FREE for children younger than 6 and members