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Shangri La Opening Day Ceremony and Opening to Public

March 11, 2008

Throughout history, the term “Shangri La” has represented a place of beauty, peace and enlightenment. In Orange, Texas, the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation has embraced the vision of H.J. Lutcher Stark and recreated a modern Shangri La with the best of both nature and gardens.

The formal Botanical Gardens contain more than 300 plant species in five formal ""rooms” as well as four sculpture “rooms.” A historical garden known as The Pond of the Blue Moon pays tribute to the original Shangri-La and features 41 varieties of azaleas, some of which belonged to H.J. Lutcher Stark, who first opened Shangri-La in Orange in the 1940s. The world-class Nature Center includes the hands-on Nature Discovery Center, a laboratory, wetlands covered with boardwalks, boat rides through the cypress/tupelo swamp, and three outdoor classrooms known as Nature Center Outposts.

The Orientation Center helps visitors get acquainted with the rich history of Shangri La through its Exhibit Hall and Discovery Theater. Visitors can also enjoy the Classroom Greenhouse, an interactive Children’s Garden, and a Water Demonstration Garden that shows how plants filter pollution from water. A Café and Garden Store are also located in the Orientation Center so that guests may enjoy a meal or browse through the selection of earth-friendly products offered for sale at Shangri La.

Rated by the U.S. Green Building Council as one of the most earth-friendly projects in the world, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center offers a glimpse of how people can live in harmony with nature.

Beginning March 11-October 31, Shangri La will be open 9 AM–5 PM (Tuesday-Friday), 9 AM–7 PM (Saturday), and 12 PM–5 PM (Sunday).

From November 1-end of February, Shangri La will be open 10 AM–5 PM (Tuesday-Friday), 10 AM¬–5 PM (Saturday), and 12 PM¬–5 PM (Sunday).

Members receive exclusive access to Shangri La on Saturdays year-round from 7–9 AM (March-October) and from 8-10 AM (November-February). Members holding current Shangri La memberships are admitted without charge upon presentation of the membership card and a photo ID.

General admission for adults (ages 18-64) is $6 for entrance to the botanical gardens only, $6 for the outpost tour only, or $10 for both.

General admission for seniors (age 65 and up) and students (ages 13-17, with ID) is $5 for the botanical gardens only, $5 for the outpost tour only, or $8 for both.

General admission for children (ages 4-12) is $4 for the botanical gardens only, $4 for the outpost tour only, or $6 for both. Toddlers (age 3 and under) will be admitted without charge if accompanied by a parent or guardian who purchases a general admission. Please note, however, that children must be 4 years of age of older for entry to the Outpost Tour.

Group tours are available at a discounted rate with advance reservations, and school tours are available with no admission charge and advance reservations Tuesday–Friday only. For more information about school and group tours, please visit our Tours section or contact Holly Hanson at 409.670.9113 or hhanson@shangrilagardens.org.

Visit Shangri La and rekindle your sense of wonder. For more information contact Shangri La at 409.670.9113.