It’s hard not to be fascinated by the iconic skeletons associated with Day of the Dead, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens is offering a chance to see them firsthand. Although the holiday only takes place on the first two days of November, larger-than-life skeleton sculptures will be up all month long. Marvel at the exhibit, learn about the history and customs of the holiday, and enjoy the vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.

Tucson Botanical Gardens has received numerous accolades, including the title of “Best Secret Garden in America” by Reader’s Digest.

Facebook/Tucson Botanical Gardens Spanning 5.5 acres, it features 16 urban gardens connected by a series of paths.

Through November 29, the Gardens are celebrating Día de Los Muertos in a big way.

Facebook/Tucson Botanical Gardens Larger than life skeleton sculptures by Ricardo Soltero, a Los Angeles-based artist, dot the grounds, making for a vibrant, whimsical display the whole family will enjoy.

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that takes place on November 1 and 2.

Facebook/Tucson Botanical Gardens Despite its macabre-sounding name, the holiday is actually about celebration rather than mourning. Family and friends gather, pray for, and honor the lives of their late loved ones, often visiting cemeteries, building altars, and parading in the streets.

Entitled “La Calavera Catrina,” which means “The Elegant Skull,” the exhibit harkens back to an early 1900s illustration by José Guadalupe Posada.

Facebook/Tucson Botanical Gardens A satirical depiction of Mexican women who adopted upper-class European styles and traditions, the cartoon has since become synonymous with Day of the Dead.

These 8- to 9-foot sculptures represent various figures from Mexican culture.

Facebook/Tucson Botanical Gardens In your short visit, you’ll learn quite a bit about the holiday, including its origins, customs, and evolution over time. Pictured here is an ofrenda, or altar, which honors the deceased using sugar skulls, Aztec marigolds, and their favorite foods and beverages, among other items.

Visit the gardens during business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily) to see the exhibit.

Facebook/Tucson Botanical Gardens Additionally, special evening hours have been implemented from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday. The display is set to lights and sound at night, so don’t miss it!

Address: 2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712.

Google Maps Tickets are $15 for adults age 18-61, $8 for children age 4-17, and $13 for college students, military, and seniors. Member adult admission is $10, while member children get in for $5. Children ages 4 and under are free.

The exhibit is organized by Denver Botanic Garden. Visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.

Facebook/Tucson Botanical Gardens

Spanning 5.5 acres, it features 16 urban gardens connected by a series of paths.

Larger than life skeleton sculptures by Ricardo Soltero, a Los Angeles-based artist, dot the grounds, making for a vibrant, whimsical display the whole family will enjoy.

Despite its macabre-sounding name, the holiday is actually about celebration rather than mourning. Family and friends gather, pray for, and honor the lives of their late loved ones, often visiting cemeteries, building altars, and parading in the streets.

A satirical depiction of Mexican women who adopted upper-class European styles and traditions, the cartoon has since become synonymous with Day of the Dead.

In your short visit, you’ll learn quite a bit about the holiday, including its origins, customs, and evolution over time. Pictured here is an ofrenda, or altar, which honors the deceased using sugar skulls, Aztec marigolds, and their favorite foods and beverages, among other items.

Additionally, special evening hours have been implemented from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday. The display is set to lights and sound at night, so don’t miss it!

Google Maps

Tickets are $15 for adults age 18-61, $8 for children age 4-17, and $13 for college students, military, and seniors. Member adult admission is $10, while member children get in for $5. Children ages 4 and under are free.

Have you gotten a chance to see this amazing Day of the Dead exhibit yet? If so, let us know all about your experience! Check out our previous article for another botanical garden in Arizona worthy of a visit.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA