With six greenhouses and two exhibition halls decked with rare exotic plants, as well as regular art exhibits, flower shows and even public lectures on horticulture, the Garfield Park Conservatory is one of Chicago's most tranquil spots. It's somewhere to lose yourself for a couple of hours or even a whole day, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere among the plants or on the lawns.
Located in the Garfield Park neighbourhood, the Conservatory was opened back in 1908, pioneered by the Chicago Parks Commissioner, landscape architect Jens Jensen. Covering an area of almost two hectares indoors and out, some plants here are more than 300 years old.
You’ll find eight main displays at the Conservatory. If are travelling as a family, head for the indoor Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden, where youngsters can learn from interactive displays about plants and how they grow. Elsewhere in the Aroid House, you’ll find popular house plants surrounding a small lagoon, scattered with glass lily pad sculptures made by artist Dale Chihuly.
At the Desert House, you’ll see cacti and succulents and find out how they endure high temperatures. In the Fern Room, you can observe the cycad, one of the world’s oldest plant species, alongside lush ferns. On some dates, there are flower shows held in the Horticulture Hall and the Show House, with azaleas in spring and festive flowers on display in the run up to Christmas. The Palm House, meanwhile, offers a balmy tropical environment to enjoy all year round.
Head to the Conservatory in the summer months to see the outdoor gardens at their finest. Well worth a visit is the Monet Garden, a recreation of the famous artist’s French garden which inspired an array of Impressionist paintings.
To pick up a keepsake from your visit, the Conservatory gift shop offers a selection of arts and crafts, plants and books to take home as souvenirs. Here you can also grab refreshments after a long afternoon enjoying these captivating surroundings.
