The Garfield Park Conservatory sustained catastrophic damage in the June 30, 2011 hailstorm, shattering approximately half of the glass panes in the roofs of the historic Fern Room, Show House, and ten propagation greenhouses. The glass panes in the Desert House also sustained significant damage. The pathways, ponds and plants in the Fern Room, Show House, Desert House and propagation houses are covered with broken glass, and shards of glass hang dangerously from the roofs. Until the roofs are repaired, rain will cause the ponds to overflow, and direct sunlight will destroy and kill the plants that have been so carefully and lovingly conserved for so many years.

Click one of the following topic headings for additional information.

Conservatory Hailstorm Video

Upcoming Workshops, Classes & Events 

Tropical Treat Nights
Wednesday, February 8 & Wednesday, February 15

Enjoy a tasty treat while learning about the “sweet plants” of the Conservatory. Fact and flavor stations will be staffed by educators throughout the Conservatory, featuring chocolate, chicle, vanilla, cinnamon, chewing gum, banana and more. Come taste your way through our tropical paradise! MORE

Fleurotica

Fleurotica 2012 is coming! Save the date for Friday, March 23, 2012, and keep an eye on the Fleurotica website for more information as the date grows closer. Fleurotica 2012 will be held at Venue One at 1044 W. Randolph due to room closures at the Conservatory.

	General Seating Tickets Pre-Sale
	VIP Tickets

Spring Flower Display
Saturday January 21 through mid-March

Although the Show House is not available to host our annual Spring Flower Show, a beautiful spring bouquet will be on display in Horticulture Hall starting January 21st. Enjoy azaleas and camellias long before they are blooming outside in Chicago. The show will run through mid-March.  MORE

Items Made from Conservatory Broken Glass
For Sale in Gift Shop

The broken glass collected in the Conservatory after last summer’s hail storm is being put to good use. Local artists have created works of art with the glass, keeping the original whitewash coating intact, which are now on sale in the Gift Shop at the Conservatory. Glass bowls made by artist Bryan Northup are available for $100 to $250. Beautiful windchimes and necklaces are also available. All proceeds from these pieces will help the rebuilding efforts. Visit our Gift Shop and take home a piece of Conservatory history!

Conservatory Guided Tours

Guided tours are now offered at the Garfield Park Conservatory! Tour the Conservatory with a knowledgeable, trained guide who will share plant information, historical facts and insight into our unique plant collection. Tours are free for Members of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, and $12 for non-members.  MORE

Live Music in the Conservatory

Enjoy live music among the living plants at the Conservatory starting in autumn, continuing through winter, and into the spring! A wide variety of bands and musical styles will play throughout the coming months, so everyone is sure to find a favorite.  MORE

Scenes in The Dilemma Filmed at the Conservatory

Did you know that the plant scene in the new Universal Pictures movie The Dilemma starring Vince Vaughn was filmed here at the Garfield Park Conservatory? Come scout out the scenes in our Fern Room and Palm House! If you are interested in getting engaged at the Garfield Park Conservatory, just like Vince Vaughn's character is, check out our Room Rental information and contact Special Events Coordinator Joan Colon at 312-746-5250.

Wild Wednesdays! Last Wednesday of Every Month!

Throughout the season, we are celebrating “wild things” with live animal presenter Scott Heinrichs. Come out and ask Mr. Heinrichs questions about each animal and get a close-up look at some fascinating critters. Additional fun, such as scavenger hunts and animal-related activities will also be available. MORE

Teachers Enhance Your School Field Trip

Teachers are invited to lead their groups through the collection of the Conservatory at no cost. Or they may enhance their existing curricula by reserving an Exploration Kit to use within the unique and exotic plant collection that is found at one of the world’s largest conservatories!  MORE

Volunteer at the Garfield Park Conservatory!

Enjoy the beautiful, lush surroundings of the Garfield Park Conservatory while sharing your time and skills as a volunteer. Opportunities abound! The Conservatory is undergoing a revitalization of its buildings and programs. We are looking for motivated and committed volunteers of all ages to lend a hand and share their skills. Join our team today!  MORE