Dallas Arboretum reports record 1.2 million visitors, previews 2026 Hunt Slonem exhibit

Sabina Carr, presenting for the Dallas Arboretum, told the Parks and Recreation Board that the Arboretum welcomed a record 1,200,000 visitors in 2024 and is expanding access programs and capital planning as it moves into 2025 and beyond.

Carr said the Arboretum served about 102,000 schoolchildren in 2024, “more than half” from Title I schools, and that the organization provides roughly $200,000 a year in scholarships and subsidized tickets. She told the board the institution updated its mission and vision during a strategic planning process and is increasing outreach into underserved ZIP codes through programs such as Museums for All, which the Arboretum launched this year and which Carr said has seen nearly 5,000 redemptions so far.

The Arboretum has also set aside $30,000 to pilot an access program in partnership with Culture City to provide sensory-inclusive bags for visitors; Carr described the kits as containing weighted lap blankets, fidgets and headphones.

Carr said special-event draws remain a major part of audience growth. She noted Dallas Blooms marked its 40th season, the Arboretum received national coverage for its cherry blossoms and related programming, and the institution will host a major sculpture exhibition by artist Hunt Slonem in April–September 2026 featuring large-scale bunnies, birds and butterflies.

On seasonal programming the Arboretum plans to retire its 12 Days of Christmas display after the 2025 season, citing the display’s age and the need to create a new holiday tradition. Carr described the change as an effort to respond to visitor feedback and evolving audience preferences.

Carr also discussed capital priorities and fundraising. She said the Arboretum is in tranche 3 of the city’s 2024 bond program for improvements to the welcome center and entry/exit plaza and that the institution has secured $4 million in public funds and is pursuing private fundraising to raise an additional $4 million toward an $8 million project budget expected to be delivered in two to three years.

Board members asked questions about outreach to underserved neighborhoods, the proposed changes to holiday programming and sustainability practices; Carr highlighted internal horticulture practices—she said the Arboretum grows about 95% of its annual and perennial plants in its own greenhouses—and a recent tree canopy assessment by Bartlett Tree Experts as examples of sustainability work.

Carr said she expects the Arboretum’s redesigned member magazine and dynamic pricing strategy to help broaden access while increasing earned revenue. She closed by thanking board members and saying the Arboretum will continue planned exhibitions and community programs.

Ending: The Arboretum’s leadership characterized the 2024 results as record-setting and outlined multi-year plans for capital work, expanded access programs and new exhibitions in 2026. Board members encouraged continued outreach and public education around changes to long-running holiday programming.