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map of conservatory
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The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the nation’s premier conservatories with six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls.  Nestled on the west side of Chicago, this hidden gem is a tropical paradise all year long right here in the Midwest!  In addition to our gorgeous plant collection, we have weekly free programming for families, dynamic exhibits, innovative special events and fundraisers, classes and tours for curious adults, volunteer opportunities and much more, so plan your next visit now!

Interested in hosting your own event here? Looking for the perfect backdrop for any special occasion? You’ve found it!  Host your wedding, reunion, business meeting, graduation or birthday party right here.  For more information on how to make this oasis yours for the day (or night!), visit our room rental information page.

Location & Hours


300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624

The Garfield Park Conservatory is located at the intersection of North Central Park Ave. and Lake St.

Daily: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesdays: 9:00am to 8:00pm

Admission


We are FREE and open to the public every day, 365 days a year. We do ask for a donation at the door.

We even have FREE special programming for families and adults, as well as innovative exhibits throughout the year. Visit our events section to learn more!

Getting Here


We have FREE parking in the Visitor’s Parking Lot just South of the Conservatory entrance, as well as Bike Corrals and a Divvy bike station in front of the building.

You can also take the Green Line to the Conservatory Stop. You won’t  miss us, we’re the huge glass building just North of Lake St. on the West side of the street.

Gift Shop


Gift Shop Hours
Mon.-Fri.: 11:00am to 5:00pm
Sat.-Sun.: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Special Events & Fundraisers


We host a variety of special events and fundraisers throughout the year! Whether you’re 4 or 40, we have something just right for you. Take a peek and save the date for our upcoming special events and fundraisers!

Private Events and Photography


The Conservatory is a beautiful backdrop for all types of events and photos!

Group Visits


Groups of 10 or more people must book their visit ahead of time:
Book a School Field Trip!
Book a youth group!
Book an adult group!

Adult Programs


Our Adult Programs range from a casual drop-in to in-depth classes and workshops, providing a place to expand your knowledge.
Find out more!

Family Programs


We have at least 15 hours of hands-on, nature-based family programming every WEEK at the Conservatory. It’s the perfect Chicago spot for your kids to connect to nature all year round! Find out more!

FAQs

Is the Conservatory wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Conservatory is wheelchair accessible, except for the Fern Room. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors using wheelchairs and those who are otherwise unable to climb stairs may enter the Conservatory at the Main Entrance, 300 N. Central Park Ave., via the North or South ramps. For more information contact us at 773-638-1766.

Can I host an event here?

Yes! To rent a room for a special occasion — weddings, reunions, business meetings — call (312) 746-5250.  For more information on pricing visit our room rental information page.

Can I bring a field trip or youth group to the Conservatory?

Yes, by booking a trip on our online group calendar. Groups of 10 or more must register for their Conservatory visit. Click here for more information on group visits.

Do you have baby changing stations?

Yes, we do. Baby changing stations are available in the men’s and women’s restrooms in the Lobby of the Conservatory.

Can I volunteer at the Conservatory?

Yes, you can!  Please visit our volunteer page for more information.

What are the rules and etiquette at the Conservatory?

We want people of all ages to enjoy the indoor and outdoor gardens at Garfield Park Conservatory. Although it looks like a park, it is actually a museum with a living collection. Our gardens have both plants and animals that require a level of respect that assures their continuity for all visitors to enjoy. Please help us ensure a safe visit for everyone by observing the following:

  • Children ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult in order to enter the conservatory.
  • Visitors must be suitably attired, including shirts and shoes.
  • Because we are a working greenhouse, some walkways may be wet. Pay attention to where you are walking.
  • For safety reasons, no running is allowed inside the conservatory. We encourage adults to guide their charges to one of the many outdoor lawn areas where children may run.
  • Wheeled items are restricted to strollers, small wagons, and mobility-assistance devices. No rollerblades, two-wheeled scooters, skateboards or “wheelie” shoes with the wheels engaged.
  • Please leave flowers and plants for everyone to enjoy. Do not collect or remove seeds, flowers, fruits, vegetables, plant labels, etc.
  • Inside the conservatory, stay on walkways. Mulched paths not accessible to visitors are marked as such.
  • Outdoors, stay on stone pathways or lawn areas. Do not walk in mulched or planted garden beds.
  • Parents and chaperones must remain with their children at all times.
  • Service animals are the only animals allowed inside or outside.
  • Do not feed, try to catch, or handle the wildlife. It can be harmful to them—and you.
  • The use of insect nets is prohibited.
  • Please be sure to dispose of your waste properly. We recycle here, so please be sure to find a blue container if you have plastic, aluminum, glass, or paper.
  • Smoking must be outdoors at least fifteen feet from any door or window.
  • Indoors, please restrict food consumption to Horticulture Hall or the lobby. Outdoors, picnicking is allowed wherever there are tables and chairs or in the lawn areas. No alcohol is allowed.
  • Kites, Frisbees, balls, and any other flying objects are not permitted. Visitors who wish to engage in these activities may do so across the street in Garfield Park.
  • Tree climbing is restricted to the Play and Grow Garden.
  • Please do not wade or swim in our ponds and fountains. With the exception of the wishing waterfall in the Palm House, please refrain from throwing coins, rocks, or any other objects into ponds and fountains.
  • Please keep your personal items with you at all times. If you find an item that does not belong to you, please turn it in to a security officer or the visitor services staff in the front lobby.
  • You may take photographs for your personal use only. Tripods and monopods are allowed, but do not block pathways for other visitors. Photography of any other nature, including birthdays, cotillion, and wedding, etc. and/or any other photo shoot for profit requires a permit from the Chicago Park District department of Communications. For more information call 312-742-4786 or visit their website.
  • In case of emergency, please alert a staff person. In addition to floricultural and program staff working in the conservatory, you can notify the visitor services at the front desk or any security officer.

 

How can I find out what's happening at the Conservatory?

It’s super easy!

  1. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter:
  2. Follow us on social media
  3. Check out our calendar for upcoming events or our home page for highlights.