The Garfield Park Conservatory sustained catastrophic damage in the June 30, 2011 hailstorm, shattering approximately half of the glass panes in the roofs of the historic Fern Room, Show House, and ten propagation greenhouses. The glass panes in the Desert House also sustained significant damage. The pathways, ponds and plants in the Fern Room, Show House, Desert House and propagation houses were covered with broken glass, and shards of glass hung dangerously from the roofs.

The broken glass has been removed, and the roofs of the damaged display houses have been covered with temporary poly-carbonate sheeting to keep the plants protected and keep the environment inside the rooms steady. All of the display houses at the Garfield Park Conservatory are currently open to the public, as are all of the outdoor gardens. However, extensive construction will have to be done to recreate the permanent roofs of these rooms. The damaged propagation greenhouses will be repaired during the summer of 2012. The display houses are scheduled to be repaired during the summer of 2013. The cost of repairs to the Conservatory is estimated to be millions of dollars, and we need your help to raise those funds. For details and video of the damage, and to donate towards the rebuilding effort, please visit our “One Pane at a Time” page.

Upcoming Workshops, Classes & Events 

Download a PDF of the Garfield Park Conservatory
Alliance Programs Summer & Fall 2012 Brochure

Click here to download a PDF of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance Programs Brochure detailing all the activities going on at the Conservatory for Summer and Fall 2012.

Fleurotica 2012

Thank you to everyone who attended Fleurotica 2012! It was a spectacular evening, with amazing designs on the runway and delicious food and cocktails at the pre- and post- parties, all for a wonderful cause. Please click here to view photos of the event, and click here to view photos from the Step and Repeat Wall. For more information about the event, please visit fleurotica.org.

Beer Under Glass

Beer Under Glass will return for its third year on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Enjoy the Conservatory at night as you sip inventive brews from some of Chicagoland’s hottest craft breweries in your souvenir glass. Popular local restaurants will serve up tasty small plates, and other surprises will round out the evening. MORE

Spring Flower Display
Saturday January 21 through Sunday May 13

Although the Show House is not available to host our annual Spring Flower Show, a beautiful spring bouquet will be on display in Horticulture Hall starting January 21st. Enjoy azaleas and hydrangeas long before they are blooming outside in Chicago. The show will run through Mother’s Day, May 13th. MORE

Items Made from Conservatory Broken Glass
For Sale in Gift Shop

The broken glass collected in the Conservatory after last summer’s hail storm is being put to good use. Local artists have created works of art with the glass, keeping the original whitewash coating intact, which are now on sale in the Gift Shop at the Conservatory. Glass bowls made by artist Bryan Northup are available for $100 to $250. Beautiful windchimes and necklaces are also available. All proceeds from these pieces will help the rebuilding efforts. Visit our Gift Shop and take home a piece of Conservatory history!

Conservatory Guided Tours

Guided tours are now offered at the Garfield Park Conservatory! Tour the Conservatory with a knowledgeable, trained guide who will share plant information, historical facts and insight into our unique plant collection. Tours are free for Members of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, and $12 for non-members.  MORE

Live Music in the Conservatory

Enjoy live music among the living plants at the Conservatory starting in autumn, continuing through winter, and into the spring! A wide variety of bands and musical styles will play throughout the coming months, so everyone is sure to find a favorite.  MORE

Scenes in The Dilemma Filmed at the Conservatory

Did you know that the plant scene in the new Universal Pictures movie The Dilemma starring Vince Vaughn was filmed here at the Garfield Park Conservatory? Come scout out the scenes in our Fern Room and Palm House! If you are interested in getting engaged at the Garfield Park Conservatory, just like Vince Vaughn's character is, check out our Room Rental information and contact Special Events Coordinator Joan Colon at 312-746-5250.

Wild Wednesdays! Last Wednesday of Every Month!

Throughout the season, we are celebrating “wild things” with live animal presenter Scott Heinrichs. Come out and ask Mr. Heinrichs questions about each animal and get a close-up look at some fascinating critters. Additional fun, such as scavenger hunts and animal-related activities will also be available.  MORE

Teachers Enhance Your School Field Trip

Teachers are invited to lead their groups through the collection of the Conservatory at no cost. Or they may enhance their existing curricula by reserving an Exploration Kit to use within the unique and exotic plant collection that is found at one of the world’s largest conservatories!  MORE

Volunteer at the Garfield Park Conservatory!

Enjoy the beautiful, lush surroundings of the Garfield Park Conservatory while sharing your time and skills as a volunteer. Opportunities abound! The Conservatory is undergoing a revitalization of its buildings and programs. We are looking for motivated and committed volunteers of all ages to lend a hand and share their skills. Join our team today!  MORE