Winter Happenings at Cheekwood: Orchids, Workshops and More

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Escape the winter chill with the help of a tropical paradise and a new art exhibition inside the Historic Mansion at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

A showstopping floral display will be presented in conjunction with orchid-themed adult education classes. Also, a new exhibition brings together paintings from a private collection and Cheekwood’s American art for the first time. The events kick off an exciting year of programming at Cheekwood.

Orchids at Cheekwood
January 31 – March 8, 2026

Discover the beauty of orchids as these remarkable flowers take center stage throughout the Cheekwood Mansion. In its eighth year, Orchids at Cheekwood has become a winter tradition.

Sweeps of white orchids and greenery adorn the winding Foyer staircase, culminating in an immersive installation throughout the Loggia featuring orchid chandeliers of various heights.

This year’s design will primarily feature yellow and white orchids with hints of orange. Guests will also be able to enjoy orchid floral arrangements on tables in the Foyer, Morning Room and Dining Room.

Tickets are on sale now and can be reserved at cheekwood.org/calendar.

Orchid-Themed Adult Workshops

Explore the fascinating world of orchids with an array of workshops. Learn how to grow and preserve orchids, help them thrive in gorgeous displays, and be inspired by the diversity of the flowering plants.

Driftwood Orchid Displays
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Create your own unique orchid display using driftwood as a natural and artistic way to showcase the plant.

Orchid Terrariums
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Learn about the art of flower preservation while creating an orchid terrarium to take home.

Orchid Still Life Drawing
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Capture the grace and beauty of orchids in this still life drawing workshop.

Orchid Image Transfers
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Experiment with the art of image transfers while using orchids as subject matter.

These workshops are for participants 18 years old and older only. Register at cheekwood.org/learn.

Common Ground: The Hainsworth Collection in Conversation with Cheekwood’s Permanent Collection
January 31 − June 21, 2026

Common Ground brings together, for the first time, paintings from the Hainsworth family collection and Cheekwood’s permanent collection to create a rich visual survey of American painting from 1876 to 1940. The two Nashville-based collections displayed alongside one another create a dialogue, revealing shared cultural aspirations and contrasting artistic visions. The exhibition examines major American art movements from the Hudson River School to American Impressionism and the Ashcan School. Together, the two collections enhance one another, offering a vibrant perspective on American art.

February Teas
February 3 – 26, 2026

Warm up with Cheekwood’s popular Afternoon Tea in Café 29. An updated menu features seasonal teas, savory bite-sized sandwiches and freshly baked sweets. Tableside service is offered to parties of 2 or 4 guests on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reserve tickets starting December 16 at cheekwood.org/teas.

Members: $50 per attendee
Not-Yet Members: $50 per attendee + Garden and Mansion Admission

A Tour and Tea
February 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience with a special guided tour of Orchids at Cheekwood in the Historic Mansion followed by Afternoon Tea service at Café 29. This package ticket offer is available on Thursdays in February. The tour begins at 2 p.m., and is followed by tableside tea service from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information on all upcoming events and to reserve tickets visit cheekwood.org.

About Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

With its intact and picturesque vistas, Cheekwood is distinguished as one of the leading Country Place Era estates in the nation. Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the 1930s estate, with its 30,000-square-foot Mansion and 55-acres of gardens, today serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and art museum with furnished period rooms and galleries devoted to American art from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. The property includes 13 distinct gardens including the Blevins Japanese Garden and the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, as well as a 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring outdoor monumental sculpture. Each year, Cheekwood hosts seasonal festivals including Cheekwood in Bloom, Summertime at Cheekwood, Cheekwood Harvest and Holiday LIGHTS. Cheekwood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and nationally as a Level II Arboretum. It is a three-time voted USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden, named the Most Beautiful Garden in Tennessee in 2025 by HGTV, in 2024 and 2025 received a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, and in 2021 was named by Fodors as one of the 12 Most Beautiful Gardens in the American South. Cheekwood is located eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville at 1200 Forrest Park Drive. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended days and hours of operation depending on the season. Visit cheekwood.org for current hours and to purchase advance tickets required for admission.

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