February 2018 – January 2022

Tropical Forest Cuba invited guests to experience the natural beauty and culture of one of the most biodiverse Caribbean island nations on Earth in this vibrant, immersive exhibit. Guests were immediately transported to Cuba upon entering the room, where they could hop inside an authentic 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline for a photo opp, much like the cars seen on the streets of Havana. Educational stations included a traditional farmacia that illustrated how natural medicine is rooted in organic farming, a paladar restaurant that taught guests about Cuban cuisine, a research station where guests could learn about the impact of Phipps' Botany in Action research around the world and a birding station featuring life-size replica carvings of five different species of endemic Cuban birds. Plants endemic to Cuba populated the display beds, including the royal palm, Cuban orchids, rare cycads and more. 

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Photos © Paul g. Wiegman