Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens photo
ParkPennsylvania, US

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a breathtaking escape into the natural world, showcasing stunning plant collections and pioneering sustainability.

About

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a breathtaking escape into the natural world, showcasing stunning plant collections and pioneering sustainability. This historic 15-acre botanical garden, featuring a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens, provides an immersive experience for all ages. Beyond its horticultural beauty, Phipps is a leader in green innovation, boasting some of the world's "greenest" facilities, including LEED Platinum certified buildings that produce their own energy.

Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from the lush Tropical Forest Conservatory, which features rotating global themes like Panama, to the arid Desert Room filled with unique cacti and succulents. The permanent collections include ornate orchids, frilly ferns, and princely palms, with highlights such as the Barbara Tisherman Slipper Orchid Collection and rare cycads like the Zululand cycad. Seasonal flower shows transform the glasshouse with vibrant displays, like the current "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" exhibit, which brings beloved storybook scenes to life with interactive elements and unique topiaries.

Phipps is a place of continuous wonder and education, offering not just visual delight but also insights into sustainable practices and plant conservation. With its blend of historic Victorian architecture and cutting-edge green technology, alongside ever-changing exhibits and exquisite plant collections, it inspires a deeper connection to nature and a commitment to environmental well-being. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was established in 1893 as a generous gift to the City of Pittsburgh from steel and real-estate magnate Henry Phipps Jr. His vision was to create a place of instruction and pleasure for the city's residents, with the original intent to be open and free daily for the working class. The conservatory was designed by Lord & Burnham, costing $100,000, and its initial nine display rooms were completed in August 1893, opening to the public in December of the same year with plants from the World's Columbian Exposition. Over the decades, Phipps underwent significant developments and renovations. In 1935, after Henry Phipps' death, the conservatory was renovated to accommodate larger crowds and more plant species, introducing an admission fee for the first time. It was declared a City of Pittsburgh historic landmark in 1970 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In 1993, Phipps transitioned from city management to a privately managed, non-profit organization, though still city-owned, embarking on a new era of expansion and a strong focus on sustainable architecture and green practices, earning it a reputation as one of the "greenest" facilities globally.

What to do here

Explore the various conservatory rooms and outdoor gardens, admire the seasonal flower shows and permanent plant collections, learn about sustainability at the CSL, and look for art installations like the Dale Chihuly glass pieces. Consider visiting Café Phipps for a sustainable meal.

Seasonal info

Spring: Expect vibrant flower shows.

Summer: Enjoy outdoor gardens, the Tropical Forest, and special exhibits like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," which runs through September. The Victoria water lilies in the Victoria Room can grow massive leaves up to 8 feet wide during this time.

Fall: Features unique displays, with chrysanthemums often highlighted.

Winter: Offers a warm, green escape with the "Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show" and subsequent orchid and bonsai shows.

Accessibility

The gardens are wheelchair accessible, with manual wheelchairs available free of charge at admissions on a first-come, first-served basis, except for the Stove Room. Phipps is also a KultureCity® Certified venue, committed to sensory inclusivity, offering sensory bags. Walkways are concrete or stone, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes as some areas may be uneven or slippery when wet.

Don't miss

1

Palm Court

The first room visitors see, featuring numerous palm trees and permanent Dale Chihuly glass installations.

2

Tropical Forest Conservatory

Showcases diverse global ecosystems with rotating themes, such as the current "Tropical Forest Panama" exhibit, complete with waterfalls and cultural displays.

3

Orchid Room

Displays outstanding blooms and fragrant flowers year-round, including the renowned Barbara Tisherman Slipper Orchid Collection.

4

Desert Room

Home to various cacti and succulents from hot deserts worldwide, such as the Joshua tree and saguaro.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Purchase tickets in advance

** Reserving tickets online beforehand can save time upon arrival.

Visit during off-peak hours

Mondays and Tuesdays or weekdays between 3 and 5 p.m. are generally less crowded for a more serene experience.

Dress in layers

Temperatures can fluctuate between rooms, especially in summer (can be warm) and winter (some rooms might be cool).

Wear comfortable shoes

Walkways are concrete or stone, and some may be uneven or slippery when wet. High heels and open-toed shoes are not recommended.

Utilize the Bloomberg Connects app

Download the free digital guide for exclusive content and tours on plants and sustainability.

Check for current seasonal shows and events: Phipps regularly updates its exhibits and events calendar, offering unique experiences like "Hoppy Hour with Rabbit Wranglers" or themed flower shows.

Frequently asked questions

An average self-guided tour of Phipps Conservatory takes approximately 90 minutes. However, with its 15 acres, 14-room glasshouse, and 23 distinct gardens, many visitors find they can easily spend an entire day exploring and enjoying the beauty and serenity of both the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Yes, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is largely wheelchair accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available at the admissions desk free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The only exception to accessibility is the Stove Room, located in the west wing.
Yes, Phipps Conservatory encourages photography and the use of video cameras for personal use. Tripods are permitted on Sunday mornings from 9:30 – 11 a.m., except during Easter Sunday and all Sundays of the Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show. All other tripod use is prohibited.

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