Norfolk, Va. – The Norfolk Botanical Garden will began their open day festivities for their LanternAsia exhibit Saturday.
The festival is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes performers, live music, Asian fare and more.
“The City of Norfolk is proud to host LanternAsia, the first ever Chinese Lantern Exhibition in Virginia and all of the eastern seaboard at our Norfolk Botanical Garden,” said Mayor Paul D. Fraim. “This magnificent display of larger than life art will draw thousands of visitors to our City, celebrating culture and diversity.”
Norfolk City Mayor Paul Fraim welcomed over 30 Chinese artisans to the City of Norfolk and Norfolk Botanical Garden on February 25.
In mid-January 2016, the artisans came from China to build and install the custom-made structures at the garden. The lanterns are made of silk, steel and other eco-friendly materials. More than 30 Asian lanterns will be built.
“The detail and craftsmanship of these mystical works of art will be awe-inspiring by day, while by night, art will turn to magic as these gigantic lanterns are illuminated,” said Norfolk Botanical Garden President and CEO Michael Desplaines.
