Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden set in Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a City of Pittsburgh historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The gardens were founded in 1893 by steel and real-estate magnate Henry Phipps as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh. Its purpose is to educate and entertain the people of Pittsburgh with formal gardens (Roman, English, etc.) and various species of exotic plants (palm trees, succulents, bonsai, orchids, etc.). Currently, the facilities house elaborates gardens within the fourteen-room conservatory and adjoining grounds. In addition to its primary flora exhibits, the sophisticated glass and metalwork of the Lord & Burnham Conservatory offer an interesting example of Victorian greenhouse architecture.
Phipps is one of the “greenest” facilities in the world. The entrance pavilion of the Phipps Conservatory has silver-level LEED certification. Its greenhouse production facility has received Platinum certification, the first and only greenhouse to be certified. Moreover, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, designed to be as environmentally sustainable as possible, is LEED Platinum certified and produces all of its energy.
Indoor Garden
Palm Court
The Palm Court is the first room visitors see after entering the Conservatory through the main entrance. The Victorian-inspired room contains many species of palm trees. The room contains the original dated plaque from the Conservatory’s opening and numerous glass installations by Dale Chihuly. The Palm Court has a high glass peak to accommodate the palm trees. The original wood and annealed glass in the Palm Court had deteriorated to a point that the need of emergency stabilization in 2008. Renovations began in 1992 and included replacing the upper wood and glass vent sash with aluminum and safety glass and replacing the vertical wood and glass components with newly replicated aluminum extrusions and safety glass glazing to match the original specifications. Bed Bug Exterminator Pittsburgh
Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden is located east of the Palm Court, connecting it to the Victoria Room. The room is furnished with fountains, hanging baskets, and sunken beds. The plants in the room vary with season. The room has changed several times over the decades. It has been known, at different times, as the Cascade Garden featuring a modern cascading waterfall, the Charleston Garden featuring an antebellum-themed display with a Southern mansion façade, and, more recently, a Japanese-style garden.
Outdoor Garden
Rooftop Edible Garden
The Rooftop Edible Garden is located between the Desert Room and the Tropical Forest Conservatory. It contains several edible vegetables and fruits. The outdoor demonstration space produces fresh produce for the cafeteria in the Welcome Center and serves as a site of hands-on learning for children’s camps and youth programs.
Children’s Discovery Garden
The Children’s Discovery Garden is located between the Stove Room and the Tropical Spices room. The Garden contains areas designed to attract birds, butterflies, and bees. It also includes a bog garden, a sensory garden, and various outdoor spaces to entertain and educate children.
Address: 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
Check out other attractions like Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium