Something magical is happening in Punta Gorda. At Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, the exhibition “Origami in the Garden” is turning the gentle art of paper folding into dazzling, giant metal sculptures. These aren’t just small paper cranes. From now through April 19, 2026, the gardens are home to soaring creations that fuse origami’s elegance with the wild beauty of Southwest Florida.
Artists Jennifer and Kevin Box started everything with a single, uncut square of paper. They carefully folded each model, then transformed it into bronze, steel, or aluminum, creating thirteen monumental outdoor sculptures and an “Inside Out” indoor gallery. As visitors wander across 27 acres of waterfront sanctuary, they stumble upon cranes rising as symbols of peace, ponies galloping in frozen motion, butterflies suspended mid-flight, and koi or blossoms floating among mangroves and marshes.
There’s more to see than just sculptures. The gardens, recently dubbed America’s top “Hidden Gem” by Bukon, offer a lineup of interactive activities for all ages. Take an audio tour or catch a live demonstration and get a behind-the-scenes look at the metal-casting process. Take part actively in a hands-on workshop, and mark your calendar for special events like the Blues, Brews & Blooms Fest on April 11, 2026, where you can explore the gardens with live music as your soundtrack.
The gardens are open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets are $21, with discounts for seniors and free admission for members and kids under four. Since the exhibit has only a few weeks left, now’s the time to experience this blend of botanical wonder and enormous artistry before the collection moves on.
You’ll find details and ticket info at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens’ official website peacerivergardens.org.
