Spring Flower Display
Saturday, January 21 through Sunday, May 13
Hours: All Conservatory Hours
Where: Horticulture Hall
Cost: Free!

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 camellias long before they are blooming outside in Chicago. In mid-April the azaleas will be replaced by full blooming hydrangeas. The display will run through Mother’s Day, May 13th.

Fleurotica 2012
Friday, March 23
Hours: 6:30 pm – 11 pm
Where: Venue One at 1044 W. Randolph
Cost: $225 VIP / $175 General Seating

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

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Hours: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Throughout the Conservatory

Cost: $40 each March 16-April 30 / $50 each May 1-May 16 / $60 each at the door

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. Please click here for more details about the event, and to purchase tickets starting on Friday, March 16, 2012.

"A Weekend in the Path of Flowers" -
An Ephemeral Exhibition of Japanese Flower Arranging
Saturday, May 5, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, May 6, 9 am - 4 pm
Where: Community Room
Cost: Free!

The Ikenobo School of Japanese flower arranging is the oldest of more than 2,000 schools currently in existence. Established as the Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto, Japan over 1,000 years ago, it is celebrating its 550th year of written study. Since it is the first school, Ikenobo is considered to be the origin of all ikebana (flower arranging) and is based on the simple philosophy that "The life of a flower is very short." The school maintains a worldwide presence through local chapters whose members study and pursue "kado," the path of flowers.

The Chicago Chapter in the Midwest has been studying and teaching this art form for over 50 years. This exhibition at the Garfield Park Conservatory will show examples of the various forms of ikebana taught by the Ikenobo School.

Summer Under the Stars: Conservatory Camp Fires
Wednesdays, June 20, July 18 and August 22
Hours: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: City Garden

Bring your lawn chairs, your children, and your best singing voice. We will provide the marshmallows and an urban wildlife checklist. More details to come!

Inspired by Nature Photo Exhibit    
Daily
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Where: Community Room
Cost: Free! Just drop by!

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. The book Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side is available for purchase in the Gift Shop. 

Please note: Because the Community Room is often rented to outside organizations, please contact the front desk of the Conservatory at 312-746-5100 before your visit to make sure the exhibit will be open to the public while you are here.