Garfield Park Conservatory - 2505 Conservatory Drive

Year Built: 1913

Architecture Style: Greenhouse

Key Features:

• Aluminum Frame

• European Classical Formal Gardens

The Conservatory was originally designed and built in 1913 by German architect George Kessler. Water fountains installation in the Sunken Garden followed a year later. At this time in 1913, there were already 84 flower beds located in the Gardens along with five greenhouses featuring almost 200,000 plant varieties supplying plants for other city parks. See the original conservatory in the black and white image.

Deterioration of the Conservatory over time necessitated the construction of the current structure, completed in 1957, which became the first all-aluminum, all-welded greenhouse in America. Local architect David Burns called it a “rigid-frame design,” explaining that pillars and trusses would not be needed, creating far less shadow. Finally, it is also interesting to note that the 26 1⁄2 roof pitch is the same degree as the tilt of the earth.

To learn more about the Conservatory and hours, visit here: www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org