The University of Michigan
what's in bloom
In spring, Matthaei and the Arb burst into life. Over 20,000 daffodils in a line emerge and bloom at the Arb The fragrance of lilacs is on the air. Woody plants show off their flowers and the peonies peak in June.
Check out the bloom calendar.
Natural Areas Stewardship:
The active care and maintenance of natural areas which seeks to control exotic invasive species, encourage characteristic native species, and reestablish natural processes upon which native ecosystems depend. Click here to learn more!

weddings, birthdays & rentals

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum offer a variety of meeting rooms to rent. The University of Michigan and many organizations and businesses look to the Arb and Gardens to provide pleasant, comfortable spaces for faculty or staff retreats, conferences, receptions, workshops, and more.

  • Weddings and Receptions

Wedding ceremony on Willow Pond Island at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

A garden wedding at Matthaei Botanical Gardens would be the perfect setting for your special day. Your beautiful ceremony will be set against a lush garden backdrop. You may even choose to celebrate your reception on the expansive patio with panoramic views of Matthaei's award-winning gardens and in the auditorium where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the breathtaking Gateway Garden of New World Plants. For your once in a lifetime event, pick a garden setting you and your guests will never forget.
 
Select from our colorful formal gardens, natural settings or the Conservatory. Whether you are considering an outdoor ceremony on Willow Pond Island or in the Perennial Garden, Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden, Gateway Garden of New World Plants, or you would like an indoor ceremony in the Conservatory, Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers ideal locations for every sentiment. In addition, showers, rehearsal dinners and receptions may be held in the Matthaei auditorium and adjourning outdoor terrace.

Detailed information on weddings can be found in these documents:

  • Wedding Photo Galleries

To see some examples of some of our wedding sites, visit the photo galleries below:

In the event of bad weather, our Auditorium can be used as a backup ceremony location. See these two pictures as examples:

  • Birthday Rentals

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is great for birthday parties! The grounds and Conservatory offer lush, engaging environments for children to explore, learn, create, and have fun year-round. Celebrate your child's special day with us!

Birthdays at Matthaei
    Birthday Party Package:
  • $215/$150 for Friends Family Tree Members and above (Family Tree Membership available for $75/year)
  • Up to 15 children and up to 20 adults ($10 each additional child)
  • Use of a private Birthday Party Room for 2 hours, including 1 hour for a guided Build-A-Terrarium Program and a self-guided activity
    You Provide:
  • Food and beverages
  • Partiers!

Call 734-647-7808 for reservations!

  • Room Rentals

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum offer meeting rooms available to groups to rent. Many departments and businesses look to MBGNA to provide a warm, pleasant, and comfortable space to hold staff retreats, conferences, etc. They are not left disappointed. Many people have found the atmosphere provided by the natural surroundings induces and fosters open communication and thereby generating productive results.

Matthaei also is used by many as a place to hold a birthday party, a wedding reception or celebrate a religious event (like a Christmas party or a Bar Mitzvah). The space is conducive to making people feel welcome and at home, all the while functioning as a place of beauty to highlight whatever the occasion evermore.

To see some examples of some of our rental spaces, visit the photo galleries below:

For more information, please check out the form below, or feel free to contact us at anytime by email or by phone at 734-647-7808.

Click here for additional meeting room information and rates.


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