Thank you for choosing the Conservatory for your group visit.
We are excited to welcome adult groups to the Conservatory for visits.
Update as of 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, unless specified below.
While face coverings are not required, we strongly recommend that individuals continue to wear face coverings if they are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. 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.
How do I know if I have an “Adult Group”?
An adult group is considered a group that has less than 10 children, has more adults than children, and whose visit is focused on the adult experience, as opposed to the child’s experience.
Group Visit Details:
At this time, groups with a maximum of 65 people are welcome to visit the Conservatory. Groups must pre-register for a visit time. Click the green Book Now button below for available dates and times. Please note: If your desired trip time and date are not visible, that means those dates and times are already booked by other groups. Please choose a different date and time. Any changes to this policy will be updated here and on the Covid-19 Updates/FAQ page.
Staff will be able to assist with any booking questions or needs before the visit. The visit itself is self-guided.
Admission for all groups is free. All groups must pre-register at least one week in advance of their trip, though earlier is recommended.
Before registering for a group visit, please read through these FAQs. Please also refer to the general visit FAQs for more details about current regulations for Conservatory visits. Your group will be expected to adhere to all rules at the Conservatory. Last minute trip requests after the one week advance window are subject to availability.
Arrival
Please arrive on time to the Conservatory. Upon arrival, send one person from the group to check in at the front desk.
Late entries are not permitted due to capacity limitations.
Parking and Buses
There is free visitor parking in the lot just south of the Conservatory. Bus drivers may drop off and pick up directly in front of the Conservatory. If your bus drivers choose to wait for you, they may park in the rear of the parking lot south of the building, on Central Park and Lake. Buses are not permitted to remain parked on the street in front of the Conservatory.
Exploration
Enjoy 2 acres of gardens under glass as well as approximately 10 acres of outdoor gardens. If your group is interested in the Artist’s Garden, that will need to be booked separately. Use your senses (except taste) to interact with our extensive collection. For the young at heart, please also use our download-able pre and post-visit lessons, themed experiences, scavenger hunts, activities, and digital tours to help you structure your self-guided exploration!
Lunch
Please note that the indoor lunchroom is closed. You may eat on the lawn in our outdoor gardens, weather permitting. Bluestone Terrace has some tables and chairs for eating that are first come, first served, for all visitors. Staff cannot hold lunches for groups, so groups must keep food with them. The Gift Shop is open with food and beverage available for purchase, including locally sourced options.
The Conservatory can become very warm, so plan accordingly.
There are no balls, frisbees, balloons, kites, or confetti allowed inside the Conservatory or on Conservatory grounds.
Questions? Contact groups@garfieldpark.org or call 773.638.1766 x 25 to speak with Heather Van Zyl, School & Groups Program Coordinator.