FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Helping you prepare for booking a visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory


1)  How can the Garfield Park Conservatory operate the indoor gardens and the outdoor gardens safely?

  • Garfield Park Conservatory COVID-19 Update 2/28/2022: Effective for visits starting March 2, 2022, face coverings and the vaccine requirement will be lifted and visitors will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination or wear a mask in order to use indoor park facilities. While face coverings are not required, we strongly recommend that individuals continue to wear face coverings if they are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, or if they are interacting with people that are unvaccinated, including children under the age of five. Additionally, visitors may choose to continue to wear a mask, and we fully encourage and support that decision. All Conservatory staff and volunteers will respect and accept all individual preferences with regard to face coverings.
  • In partnership with the Chicago Park District, the Mayor’s Office and the State of Illinois, we are complying with guidelines and directives due to COVID-19 as we continue to implement and adjust new operation protocols.
  • We are free, but please make a reservation online in advance to ensure there is space available on the day and time you’d like to visit.
  • Timed entry will continue to help us manage our operations.
  • Reservations are in 15-minute intervals starting at 10am with the last entry at 4:30pm Thursday through Sunday. On Wednesday, visits are available every 15 minutes starting at 10am with last entry at 7:30pm.
  • Please arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to the start of your ticket time. Late arrivals may be denied entry.
  • Guests are responsible for keeping track of their visit time and making their way to the main lobby for exit. Security will lock the exterior doors promptly at 8pm Wednesday and 5pm Thursday through Sunday.
  • This plan will only work with your cooperation. By respecting protocols together, we can offer everyone an opportunity to enjoy the gardens.

2)  What are your open hours?

10am – 8pm Wednesday (last entry at 6:30pm)

10am – 5pm Thursday through Sunday (last entry at 3:30pm)

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 
 

3)  How do I make a reservation? 

Please make a reservation in advance online through our website at garfieldconservatory.org/visit to ensure there is space available on the day and time you’d like to visit. Walk-ups are welcome only if there is space available. If you need help, please contact us at visitors@garfieldpark.org or call 773-638-1766. Please note that reservations can only be made up to four weeks in advance.

If your party is 10 or more individuals, you will need to make a reservation as a group. Click here for more information about youth and adult group reservations.

Neighbors/Members: If you live in Garfield Park or are a member, there are additional free reservation times set aside for you. Neighbors call 773-638-1766 or email visitors@garfieldpark.org. Become a member or current members can contact membership@garfieldpark.org or call 773-638-1766 x 13.

 

4)  What is the admission fee? 

We are free. There is no admission feeWe welcome donations from those who are able to give. Suggested donation is $10 per adult and $5 per childDonations are encouraged during the online reservation process, in order to minimize the time a guest spends at entry.

5)  What should I expect before and during my visit?

  • Please make a reservation online in advance to ensure there is space available on the day and time you’d like to visit. Walk-ups are welcome if there is space available.
  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the start of your ticket time. Late arrivals may be denied entry.
  • Have your reservation ready to show on your phone or a printed confirmation of your reservation.
  • Please be prepared to wait in a line outside as visitor services staff checks everyone in.
  • Masks or face coverings are encouraged but not required.
  • Please practice social distancing – stay at least six feet away from staff and visitors not in your party. Free parking is available in the visitor parking lot during open hours. There is a Divvy bike station and bike racks in the front of the main entrance. We are steps away from the CTA Green Line Conservatory Stop.
  • The following indoor rooms remain closed: the EMG Children’s Garden.
  • If you choose to donate on-site, cash donations or checks can be dropped in the donation box contact-free. Any credit/debit card donations will be completed at a self-serve machine (no cash handling by staff permitted).
  • Please minimize touching the plants and surfaces throughout the Conservatory.
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the Conservatory.

6)  What if I book a visit, but then need to change or cancel my reservation? 

If you need to make a change or cancel your booking, you have the ability to adjust your reservation 1 hour prior to your visit time via your confirmation email

7) What time should I arrive? What if I arrive early or late? 

Please arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to the start of your ticket time. Late arrivals may be denied entry. Reservation confirmations via email instruct visitors to arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to their reservation time. Please be prepared to wait in a line outside if the lobby capacity is at its maximum.

8) Will restrooms and drinking fountains be available?

Restrooms will be open and are located at the front entrance, in our Lobby. We encourage you to use the restroom before or after your visit through the gardens. Water fountains may not be available during your visit.

9) Can I walk up and book a visit? 

Walk-up reservations are prioritized for Garfield Park & West Side neighbors and members if available. Please make a reservation online in advance to ensure there is space available on the day and time you’d like to visit.    Click HERE to make your reservation or contact us at 773-638-1766 or visitors@garfieldpark.org.

10) How many people can I bring with me on my visit?

Reservations can be made for parties of up to 9 people. When reserving a time, please indicate the number of children and adults in your party. Every person in  your party needs to be included in your reservation.

If your party is 10 or more you will need to book as a group. Group bookings are available on a limited basis.  Click here for more information about youth and adult group reservations.

11)  Do I need to wear a mask or face covering when I visit? 

No. Visitors are not required to wear a mask. While face coverings are not required, we strongly recommend that individuals continue to wear face coverings if they are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, or if they are interacting with people that are unvaccinated, including children under the age of five. Additionally, visitors may choose to continue to wear a mask, and we fully encourage and support that decision. All Conservatory staff and volunteers will respect and accept all individual preferences with regard to face coverings.

12)  Can we leave and come back during our visit? 

There is no re-entry after you exit the gardens. 

13)  Are the Outdoor Gardens open?

Yes. The Outdoor Gardens are open during the winter, however the pathways are not maintained if it snows. The Play and Grow Garden is currently closed for repairs and will reopen May 2023. You can access the Outdoor Gardens through the Desert House doors. 

14) What pathways are accessible?

All the pathways on the map are either made of concrete, pavers, or hard-packed gravel. There are smaller side pathways not located on the map that may be made of loose gravel or mulch.

15)  Is the Garfield Park Conservatory accessible to individuals with disabilities? 

The Garfield Park Conservatory is committed to providing a quality experience for all visitors. If you would like to request an accommodation for an upcoming visit, please contact us as soon as possible by emailing visitors@garfieldpark.org or calling 773-638-1766. Learn more about accessibility at the Conservatory.

16)  Can I rent a wheelchair? 

We have a limited number of wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis for use at no charge. Please have a state issued driver’s license or ID for deposit upon arrival.

17)  Can I bring food and beverages with me on my visit? 

Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted at the Conservatory. Please limit eating or drinking to Horticulture Hall or the outdoor gardens. Please be mindful and limit your table and bench use to 30 minutes.

18)  Has the Conservatory increased cleaning?

Yes. Hand-sanitizing stations will be provided throughout the lobby and gardens.  

19)  Can I get a photo permit?

Photo permits for the gardens are available through the Chicago Park District’s website.  Tripods and easels are allowed indoors and outdoors as long as they are not obstructing pathways.

20)  Do you have a Coat Check?

We have an unattended coat rack located in the Palm House entrance.

21) Is the Gift Shop open?  

The Gift Shop is open for in-person shopping! You can still shop online with contact-free pickups.

22) Can I rent the Conservatory for an event?

Yes, rentals have resumed within city and state guidelines. Please contact Joan Colon, Special Events Manager with the Chicago Park District, at 312-746-5250 or joan.colon@chicagoparkdistrict.comClick here to learn more.