Frequently Asked Questions
Helping you prepare for booking a visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory
1) When can I visit?
10am – 8pm Wednesday (last entry 7:30)
10am – 5pm Thursday through Sunday (last entry 4:30)
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
2) How do I make a reservation?
Please make a reservation in advance at
garfieldconservatory.org/visit
to ensure there is space available on the day and time you’d like to visit.
3) Can I come to the Conservatory without a reservation?
Same-day reservations are prioritized for Garfield Park neighbors (60624 & 60612) and members if available.
Please make a reservation 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.
Neighbors/Members:
If you live in Garfield Park (60624 & 60612) or are a current member, there are additional 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) How many people can I bring with me on my visit?
Reservations can be made for parties of up to 19 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 20 or more, please make a group reservation so we can ensure we are able to accommodate you. Group bookings are available on a limited basis.
5) How many people do you consider a group?
If your party is 20 or more individuals, please make a group reservation. You may request a free orientation for your group on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays when we are less busy.
Learn more about youth and adult group reservations.
6) What is the admission fee?
There is no admission fee for Chicago residents. We welcome donations from Chicagoans who can give. The suggested donation is $10 per adult and $5 per child. All children 6 and under are free.
For visitors that do not live in Chicago, admission fees are:
- Non-Chicago Adults = $10.00
- Non-Chicago Seniors (65+) = $5.00
- Non-Chicago Children (7-17) = $5.00
- Non-Chicago College Students with ID = $5.00
- Free parking in the lot south of the Conservatory entrance and free street parking available
7) Do you offer discount programs for non-Chicago residents?
Yes! We are happy to provide the following discounts for non-Chicago residents.
- Museums For All – Free for any family that qualifies for state food assistance and is in possession of a Link or a WIC ID card
- Illinois Teachers – Free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade)
- Illinois Public School Students (pre-K- through12th grade) – Free for Illinois Public School students on a field trip
- Blue Star Discount
–
Free for active-duty military personnel and veterans
8) 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. Same-day reservations are welcome if there is space available.
- We are busiest on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Have the QR Code from your confirmation email printed or ready to show on your phone.
- Please be prepared to wait in line as visitor services staff checks everyone in.
- Once you have entered, feel free to explore the 4 acres under glass and 10 acres of outdoor gardens.
- The EMG Children’s Garden remains closed. We expect it to open fall 2025.
- If you choose to donate on-site, cash donations or checks can be dropped in the donation box. Credit/debit card donations will be completed at a self-serve machine (no cash handling by staff permitted).
- Please minimize touching the plants throughout the Conservatory.
- Conservatory spaces vary in temperature, we suggest wearing layers that you can add or remove to aid in your comfort.
- Wi-Fi is available in the Lobby and in Horticulture Hall – all other spaces will have limited Wi-Fi access.
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What is the best way to get there?
- Free parking is available in the visitor parking lot during open hours.
- There is a Divvy bike station and bike racks in front of the main entrance.
- We are steps away from the CTA Green Line Conservatory Stop.
10) 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 can adjust your reservation up to 1 hour prior to your visit time via your confirmation email.
11) What time should I arrive? What if I arrive early or late?
We will always do our best to accommodate you, however we ask that you please arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to the start of your ticket time.
12) Where are the restrooms and drinking fountains?
Gendered restrooms are located at the front entrance. There are no additional bathrooms in the gardens. Water fountains are located next to each restroom and a water bottle refill station can be found on the northern pathway in Palm House.
13) Do I need to wear a mask or face covering when I visit?
No. Visitors are not required to wear a mask. Visitors may choose to wear a mask, and we fully support that decision. All Conservatory staff and volunteers will respect and accept all individual preferences regarding face coverings.
14) Can we exit and re-enter the gardens during our visit?
Yes, visitors are permitted to exit the gardens to use the restroom or visit the gift shop in the lobby during their visit.
15) Are the Outdoor Gardens open?
Yes. The City Garden in the back or west end of the Conservatory is open year-round, weather permitting. The City Garden can be accessed via the Desert House. The Artist’s Garden is also open, weather permitting. The Summer Show in the Artist’s Garden runs annually July – September
16) Is the Conservatory accessible to individuals with disabilities?
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. Paths may be wet at any given time.
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.
The Fern Room is the only room not accessible to individuals using a wheelchair.
17) 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.
18) 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. No glass bottles please.
19) How do I get a photo permit?
Photo permits are available through the Chicago Park District’s website. Tripods and easels are allowed as long as they are not obstructing pathways.
Learn more about taking photos at the Conservatory.
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 on Wednesdays from 10am – 6pm and Thursdays – Sundays from 10am – 5pm. Online shopping is also available with shipping and pickup options.
22) Can I rent the Conservatory for an event?
Yes! Please contact Joan Colon, Special Events Manager with the Chicago Park District, at 312-746-5250 or joan.colon@chicagoparkdistrict.com.