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The Conservatory Celebrates Its 100 Year Birthday!

 

The Garfield Park Conservatory along with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance welcomes you to explore our site and discover the treasures within this historic Chicago botanical conservatory.

 

Did you know that Chicago’s botanical gem under glass, the Garfield Park Conservatory, has been home to rare tropical plants for almost 100 years? (The Garfield Park Conservatory opened to the public in April of 1908.)

Please help us continue to celebrate the final months of our Centennial Birthday Year by visiting the Conservatory and participating in a number of special events and activities! Check out our Family Fun section here on the website for a complete list of activities.

 Become A Member

 

The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, a non-profit organization, strengthens community through the unique combination of the Garfield Park Conservatory Campus, other botanical resources, and the engagement of community members.

With its innovative programs, the Alliance enhances the environmental, social and economic vitality of Chicago’s West Side and encourages the larger community to explore the fundamental connection between plants and life. Membership in the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance supports one of Chicago's great botanical resources.

So step into our world and step into another place and time, where it's always warm and lush, where you will be surrounded by some of the most historic and dramatic architecture of our time. [JOIN NOW]

 

ADDRESS

Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624-1996
 

HOURS

The Garfield Park Conservatory is "Open Every Day of the Year" like its sister facility, the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

 

Daily Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
  

TELEPHONE

(312) 746-5100

 

FAX

(773) 638-1777  

 

 

 

Bring us to the FINISH Line!!

We started the race in 2006 to raise $9 million. Guess what? We only need $64,272. more to cross the FINISH Line. Donate today and help us reach our Kresge Challenge goal of $64,272. If we reach our goal, the Kresge Foundation will award us $500,000 toward our new exhibit, Sugar from the Sun. If we don’t reach our goal, well…let’s not even go there. It’s all or nothing. So please DONATE TODAY and help us win! [DONATE NOW]

 
   
 

Winter 2008 Holiday Traditions
November 28, 2008 - January 11, 2009

The culminating centennial show will use traditional poinsettias (mainly reds) that were popular at the turn of the Century, flowering plant material in reds, oranges, and whites.   [MORE]

 
 

 

2008 County Fair Harvest Competition Winners

As part of its Annual County Fair event, Garfield Park
 Conservatory hosted its 8th Annual Harvest Competition this
past Saturday, September 20, 2008. Over 50 entries arrived early Saturday morning from Chicago area home growers, community gardeners, and school gardeners. Ribbons were awarded to all participants but only 12 entries received the highest blue ribbon honor for produce, flowers, and displays of “superior” quality. Competition judges included master gardeners and community members with a strong interest in plants and gardening. This annual event is open to gardeners of any age, experience, or skill level, and will be offered again next fall.  [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]

 

  

Sugar from the Sun Now Open

1,850 plants 200 tons of stone 3,900 linear feet of steel.  Built in the former Sweet House, this ground-breaking immersion experience will plunge visitors into the life of the Conservatory’s tropical collection – from mangos and bananas to oranges and papayas. Visitors will use all five senses as they experience how a plant uses air, water and light to make sugar -- the energy source not only for plants, but for all life on earth.  [MORE]

 

 

 

Inspired By Nature — A New Conservatory Book

Published in honor of the centennial, "Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago's West Side " blossoms into a living history that looks to the future, and covers everything from the history of the conservatory and Garfield Park to the revival of the surrounding community. This fascinating and comprehensive volume includes historical essays, archival photography and plans, as contemporary photography. [BUY NOW]

 

 

  

Get Ready! Get Set! Grow! Kid & Family Fun!

The Conservatory is a fantastic place to bring family members of all ages. Something’s always growing, and there’s always something new to discover! To make your “growing” experience here even more enjoyable, we offer a number of special educational opportunities FREE for kids and families!  [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]

 

 

 

Inspired by Nature Photo Exhibit

Formerly at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the photo exhibit accompanying Julia Bachrach and Jo Ann Nathan’s book Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side is now at the Conservatory!  This exhibit includes photographs, drawings and maps highlighting the history of the Garfield Park Conservatory and the West Side in honor of the Conservatory’s Centennial year.  [MORE]