Penn State to Return to Philadelphia Flower Show in 2027
The university will present a new exhibit in March 2027, marking its first appearance at the event in 30 years.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Botany
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Penn State will return to the Philadelphia Flower Show for the first time in 30 years with a new exhibit at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The display, currently in the design phase, is scheduled to run from March 12 to March 21, 2027.
Why it matters
The exhibit represents a strategic effort by the university to showcase its statewide research, education, and extension impacts. It marks the first such institutional presence at the event in three decades.
The exhibit will debut at the 198th Philadelphia Flower Show, which expects 250,000 visitors. This marks the university's first participation in the event in 30 years.
The players
Penn State
A public research university managing diverse agricultural, extension, and educational programs across Pennsylvania.
The Arboretum at Penn State
A botanical research and display institution that is leading the exhibit coordination and community object collection.
The details
The exhibit is being developed through a collaboration between students and faculty from multiple Penn State campuses and units. The Arboretum at Penn State is currently soliciting objects from the community to incorporate into the display, which is themed 'Iconic' for the 2027 show.
Timeline
December 18, 2026: Deadline to submit objects for the exhibit.
March 12-21, 2027: The Philadelphia Flower Show takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The Tech Race
Penn State’s presence at the 198th Philadelphia Flower Show marks a significant departure from its 30-year absence from the venue. This installation functions as an extension of the university's research and education outreach program.
Philadelphia community members interested in contributing to the university's display have until December 18, 2026, to submit objects for consideration. The final exhibit will be accessible to the public during the event dates in March 2027.
The takeaway
This exhibit serves as a new channel for the university to demonstrate its statewide research impact to a large public audience. Interested parties should track the December 18, 2026, object submission deadline to participate in the project.
Further reading
For more on plant science and regional displays, explore the Botany section.
More information
Submit items or view exhibition guidelines on the Arboretum at Penn State page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Express.
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