Events' Realm

Desert Botanical Garden is embarking on a new partnership with London-based pioneering artist studio ScanLAB Projects, bringing its groundbreaking visual and technical artwork here in 2025. The exhibit will be a first-of-its-kind in the Valley to connect science and nature at this scale in both indoor and outdoor environments.


In October 2023, ScanLAB Projects, led by cofounders Matt Shaw and William Trossell, started a unique experience for the Garden titled DESERT PULSE — a spatialized installation that displays footage of the desert landscape and desert flora in a remarkably new way using LiDAR 3D scanning.


ScanLAB Projects has selected 15 distinct sites across the Valley and at the Garden. These daily 3D scans will be recorded over a 12-month period. The recorded data will reveal unseen environmental changes — the result of human, natural and industrial processes — all impossible to see with the naked eye or through the lens of traditional cameras. The team will document cactus flowering and fruiting, shifting sediment patterns along the Salt River, recent fire-damaged desert and desert blooms. Locations include a desert development in Rio Verde, a saguaro growth monitoring site near Needle Rock, a recovering fire area in McDowell Mountain Preserve and a working landfill.


Through their specialized rendering techniques, ScanLAB Projects will turn the recorded data into breathtaking visuals that will be exhibited as an impressive multi-screen digital installation to be exhibited amongst the Garden’s plants and trails, as well as its new Exhibits Gallery.


DESERT PULSE is not just artwork, the data collected will contain empirical, measurable facts that can and will be used for research by the Garden’s team of scientists.

Phoenix

United States

Arizona

1201 N. Galvin Parkway

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Pulse

Confluence Park is our award-winning oasis where sustainability, art, and architecture come together in a harmonious blend of innovation and beauty. During our Ecology and Nature tour you'll explore innovative designs, eco-friendly structures, and stunning artworks that harmonize with nature. Tours are scheduled every fourth Saturday of the month with our Master Naturalist Docent, Bob Morris.

During the tour, you'll learn about the story of sustainability, focusing on the essential roles of water, soil, and air—three fundamental renewable natural resources that are crucial for all life on Earth. Confluence Park was built by forming a partnership between Nature and Architecture. These two attributes were melded into one to create a Vision of Sustainability for every visitor that comes here and provide a tangible benefit to all that reside in the SA River Basin.

Please note, the tour may be canceled if no reservations are made by the day prior. Each tour will last between 1.5 to 2 hours, and participants are welcome to join or leave as needed to accommodate different attention spans or ages. The pathways are accessible to all mobility levels, and bathrooms and water fountains are available on-site. We encourage you to bring a water bottle and sun protection.

Registration required. Ticket costs will be refunded to the original payment method as long as you are present for the program. If you are not present for the program the $5.00 payment will be donated to San Antonio River Foundation.

Space is limited. If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your reservation in order to release your ticket(s) and get a refund. Thank you

San Antonio

Texas

Confluence Park

Confluence Park Ecology and Nature Tour - Every 4th Sat of the Month 2025

Bronx

New York

Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium Gameday Express Tour

Stubhub

Nashville

Tennessee

Ryman Auditorium

Ryman VIP Tour

Montréal

Canada

Québec

Bell Centre

Visites Guidées Centre Bell - Bell Centre

Join us for Market Days at the base of the Tower!

We will be featuring over 40 local vendors from across San Antonio. Come browse, shop, and enjoy as you discover and support local businesses.

This is a FREE family-friendly event, happening throughout the year, with food and live music!

Tower of the Americas

Market Days