Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Gardens

By William J. Toman, October 13, 2010

1. Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Gardens Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Welcome. You are entering a garden of enchantment where powerful symbols, exquisite craftsmanship, and lush foliage combine to bring you closer to the culture of Thailand.

Where is Thailand?

[World map showing location of Thailand]

A beautiful gift

The pavilion is a gift from the Thai government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association to the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

The University gave the pavilion to the City of Madison, which placed it at Olbrich Botanical Gardens as an ideal setting to share this cultural treasure.

The Thai Pavilion

• The only Thai pavilion in the continental United States.

• The only Thai pavilion outside of Thailand surrounded by a tropical-styled garden.

Can you find…

• The mythical serpent symbol called the Naga

• The statue at the bridge entrance

• Scales in the paving patterns of the pathway

• Scales in the bridge rails

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places

By William J. Toman, October 16, 2010

2. Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Gardens Marker

The marker is on the left, with the bridge to the Pavilion in the background. Note the scale pattern in the walk as mentioned in the marker.

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Location. 43° 5.553′ N, 89° 19.987′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from Atwood Avenue 0.2 miles west of Walter Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53714, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Starkweather's Harried History (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John M. Olin (about 600 feet away); Olbrich Park (about 600 feet away); Third Lake Passage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Olbrich Park / Michael B. Olbrich (approx. 0.3 miles away); Riley House (approx. 0.4 miles away); "Let The Great Spirits Soar" (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bear and Lynx Effigy Mounds (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Also see . . . Olbrich Gardens. Thai Pavilion page on Olbrich Gardens web site (Submitted on October 16, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)

Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Gardens image. Click for full size.

By William J. Toman, October 13, 2010

3. Olbrich's Thai Pavilion and Gardens

Note the scale pattern in the bridge railing as mentioned in the marker.

Path to Thai Pavilion and Gardens image. Click for full size.

By William J. Toman, October 16, 2010

4. Path to Thai Pavilion and Gardens

Note the scale pattern in the walk as mentioned in the marker.

Bridge to Thai Pavilion and Gardens image. Click for full size.

By William J. Toman, October 13, 2010

5. Bridge to Thai Pavilion and Gardens

This is the statue at the bridge entrance as mentioned in the marker and also, apparently, the mythical serpent symbol called the Naga mentioned in the marker.

Related Marker at Thai Pavilion image. Click for full size.

By William J. Toman, October 13, 2010

6. Related Marker at Thai Pavilion

Caption: This extraordinary Thai Sala, the only one of its kind in North America, was gifted to the University of Wisconsin and City of Madison by the Thai chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association in 2001.