Garfield Park Conservatory

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The Conservatory

ADDRESS

Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624-1996

HOURS

The Garfield Park Conservatory is "Open Daily" except for the following dates: Friday November 27, Thursday December 24, and Thursday December 31.

Daily Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Wednesdays: 9 am – 8 pm

TELEPHONE

(312) 746-5100

FAX

(773) 638-1777

Become A Member

The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, a non-profit organization, strengthens community through the unique combination of the Garfield Park Conservatory Campus, other botanical resources, and the engagement of community members.

With its innovative programs, the Alliance enhances the environmental, social and economic vitality of Chicago’s West Side and encourages the larger community to explore the fundamental connection between plants and life. Membership in the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance supports one of Chicago's great botanical resources.

So step into our world and step into another place and time, where it's always warm and lush, where you will be surrounded by some of the most historic and dramatic architecture of our time. JOIN NOW

Sweet Saturdays
Saturday, February 6th & February 13th

Sweet Saturdays will focus on plants that provide the key ingredients to some favorite sweet treats. The Garfield Park Conservatory, a veritable plant-based candy show, is home to many living sweets such as bananas, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, and chocolate trees. Visitors of all ages can sample the facts, the flavors and the fun of some of the most tantalizing tropical treats. MORE

Spring Flower Show
Saturday, January 30th – Sunday, May 9th

Put some spring in your step starting in January! Come view the Spring Flower Show to enjoy gorgeous flowers long before they are blooming naturally outside. The show will cure your winter blues with pinks, whites, reds, and fuschias! Enjoy a burst of azaleas during the first half of the show – some of which are descendents of azaleas on display at the 1893 Columbian Exposition! Hydrangeas will be featured in the second half of the show - blooming in pinks, whites and blues. MORE

Fleurotica 2010
Friday, March 26th
6:30 pm – 10 pm

The fashion event of the year is almost here! A “unique runway adventure,” Fleurotica features artistic floral interpretations in clothing and accessories – all are made from flowers, plants and leaves – to raise money for programs and activities run by the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The evening will hold lots of amazing sights and surprises, and is sure to be the talk of the town! 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

REI Wilderness Wednesdays
Third Wednesday of Every Month

Join our special outdoor host, REI, as they set up camp on the grounds of the Conservatory. REI staff will be on hand to share positive messages about enjoying the outdoors and exploring your wild side through their PEAK program (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids). Program includes games and activities based on recycling, respecting wildlife, and more. Your family can also try “sleeping bag yoga” where they will learn nature and animal-inspired yoga postures. MORE

Wild Wednesdays! Starts January!

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

Get Ready! Get Set! Grow! Kid & Family Fun!

The Conservatory is a fantastic place to bring family members of all ages. Something’s always growing, and there’s always something new to discover! To make your “growing” experience here even more enjoyable, we offer a number of special educational opportunities FREE for kids and families! MORE

Beginning Beekeeping Classes

Saturday March 6th

Spend the day with us learning the basics of beekeeping equipment, hive design and construction, bee biology and behavior, bee management and bee products. Class times and registration information will be available shortly. 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

Sugar from the Sun Now Open

1,850 plants 200 tons of stone 3,900 linear feet of steel. Built in the former Sweet House, this ground-breaking immersion experience will plunge visitors into the life of the Conservatory’s tropical collection – from mangos and bananas to oranges and papayas. Visitors will use all five senses as they experience how a plant uses air, water and light to make sugar -- the energy source not only for plants, but for all life on earth. MORE