Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO is the Missouri Botanical Garden’s 2026 signature art exhibition, featuring the geometric and glowing works Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu.
Presented by PNC, Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO explores the wondrous patterns of nature through 21 intricately designed, interactive installations located throughout the Garden. After dark on select evenings, these artworks are amplified with an illuminated exploration of light and shadow during Patterns in Nature: LightForm, supported by the Crawford Taylor Foundation.
Make the most of your visit by exploring our Visitor’s Guide below.
Who is HYBYCOZO?
HYBYCOZO is the creation of Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk.
Originally from Ukraine, Filipchuk attended the University of California, Berkeley, studying Conservation and Resource Studies with a concentration in patterns of the natural world, biomimicry, and environmental justice. Beaulieu attended Carleton University in his native Canada, studying Industrial Design. His large-scale artworks push the boundaries of technology, geometry, and fabrication.
Together, the two created HYBYCOZO in 2014, drawing inspiration from the inherent beauty found in mathematics, science, and natural phenomena. Over the past decade, HYBYCOZO has been featured in cities across the globe, from Wichita to Dubai, and in venues as diverse as the galleries of the Smithsonian to the deserts of Burning Man.
The real question: How do you say HYBYCOZO? Each guest will have their own interpretation of the name, but the artists pronounce HYBYCOZO as hib-e-co-zo. You can hear for yourself and learn more in this video by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
How interactive are the pieces, really?
Unlike many art exhibitions, Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO encourages guests to touch the sculptures.
Though the large, colorful pieces inspire a sense of play and curiosity, climbing on the pieces is not permitted.
Some pieces can be spun, allowing guests to play with the light and shadows the intricate designs create. Another piece allows guests to step inside the artwork.
A few pieces will remain off-limits to protect the artwork and preserve the beautiful floral landscapes created by the Garden’s horticulture team—but the exhibition remains highly interactive throughout.
What is the difference between the daytime and evening experience?
During this special exhibition, the Garden is offering two viewing experiences: one that is included in daytime viewing and one that offers an expanded experience during evening hours.
Daytime Experience – Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO
Presented by PNC
April 10–September 26 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
Included in Garden admission
The Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO exhibition features 21 larger-than-life, interactive installations, including six pieces curated specifically for the Garden and inspired by its living collections.
Daytime visitation to Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO is included with Missouri Botanical Garden general admission.
Evening Experience – Patterns in Nature: LightForm
Supported by the Crawford Taylor Foundation
Thursday–Saturday, April 11–August 29 | Doors open at 6 p.m.
Garden member tickets on sale today | Public sale begins January 14
On select Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, guests can witness how light and shadow expand the artwork beyond the physical medium during Patterns in Nature: LightForm.
The evening exhibition will be accompanied by live music as visitors enjoy and explore the interactive artwork. Food and themed drinks will also be available for purchase.
Admission rates for “Patterns in Nature: LightForm” will vary by day and Garden membership, ranging from $10 to $22.
Support for “Patterns in Nature: LightForm” is provided by the Crawford Taylor Foundation. Patterns in Nature: LightForm will not be open during festival weekends at the Garden.
What about other evening events?
Guests who enjoy evenings in the Garden will love Patterns in Nature: Lightform, but we know they may be curious about how this exhibition will impact other evening events.
Will there still be Normal extended evening hours?
No. The Garden will not be hosting extended evening hours in 2026, as we offer three weekly opportunities to explore the Garden during Patterns in Nature: Lightform. This is only for the 2026 season, and extended hours will return in 2027!
Is Whitaker Music Festival still happening?
Yes! Whitaker Music Festival takes place on Wednesday evenings, May 27-July 29. This year’s lineup will be announced in April!
Will the Children’s Garden be open during “LightForm”?
No. The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden will not be open during Patterns In Nature: LightForm. The Garden will be offering interactive, educational guides for children to explore the science, mathematics, and natural design of HYBYCOZO.
Do I need an additional ticket for Patterns in Nature?
Daytime admission to Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO is included in Garden admission.
If you plan to come at night for Patterns in Nature LightForm, you will need to purchase a specific ticket for that event. We encourage you to select your evening in advance by purchasing tickets online.
Patterns in Nature: LightForm
See the art of HYBYCOZO expanded through shadow and light April 11-August 29.
Will my kids like Patterns in Nature?
Kids will love the interactive elements of Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO and playing with the light and shadows of Patterns in Nature: LightForm.
To help students connect more with the science, math, and nature elements found in the pieces, our Education Team has designed interactive guides for children to take with them on their visit. These guides are designed for grades PreK–K, 1–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12, with corresponding educator lesson plans to help support teachers in facilitating the experience with their students.
Is this Show accessible?
Every piece of Patterns in Nature will be accessible via an easy-to-navigate path, and we’ve designed our narrated tram tours to feature the entire exhibition.
Patterns in Nature: LightForm will not feature any moving or flashing lights; a few artworks will feature slow-morphing lights. Live music will be contained to designated areas of the Garden.
Both daytime and evening visitors can access the Garden’s calming rooms located in the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center and near the Plant Lab.
Visit our website for more accessibility information.
Join us for an introduction to this year’s exhibit, Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Come explore the wondrous connection between art, science, and nature through the intricately designed and interactive installations. A Garden Docent will lead this tour, complete with audio description. Note: This tour is for individuals who are blind or have low vision and their family or friends.
Join us for an introduction to this year’s exhibit, Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO at Missouri Botanical Gardens. Come explore the wonderous connection between art, science, and nature through the intricately designed and interactive installations. A Garden Docent will lead this tour complete with Sign Language interpretation. Note: This tour is for individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing and their family or friends.
Join us for an introduction to this year’s exhibit, Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO at Missouri Botanical Gardens. Come explore the wonderous connection between art, science, and nature through the intricately designed and interactive installations. This Garden Docent-led tour is for individuals with memory loss and their family/friend/support person.
Will there be special food or drink specials for Patterns in Nature?
Both Sassafras Restaurant and The Bellwether Café will be open during daytime admission for Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO.
Guests can add on one of our special dinner options at Sassafras Restaurant during Patterns in Nature: LightForm when they purchase tickets online. You can also enjoy a specialty cocktail—Botanical Berry, featuring 1220 Spirits & Missouri Botanical Garden Gin.
Where should I park?
The Garden offers parking outside of the Visitor Center, including several EV charging stations. There is no charge for parking at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
In the event that the parking lot is full, visitors should use the free parking at the overflow lots at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and Vandeventer.
As leaders in sustainability, we are also big fans of walking, biking, and public transportation. We offer bike parking near the Visitor Center and are conveniently located near two Metro bus stops.
Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
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