Pittsburgh’s Green Oasis - The Phipps Conservatory

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, located in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1893 as a gift from American entrepreneur Henry Phipps Jr. He was known for his business partnership with Andrew Carnegie and for his involvement in the Carnegie Steel Company. After becoming a successful real estate investor and selling his stock in Carnegie Steel, he dedicated much of his time and wealth to philanthropy.

The 14-room glasshouse hosts seasonal exhibits, including bonsai trees and orchids. Its purpose is to educate and entertain visitors through formal gardens and a wide variety of exotic plants. The sophisticated glass and metalwork of the Lord & Burnham conservatory, costing $100,000, is an interesting example of Victorian greenhouse architecture.

When the Phipps Conservatory opened on December 7, 1893, it consisted of nine display rooms and featured many plants from the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has undergone multiple expansions over the years. The first major expansion occurred in 1895 and included a propagation greenhouse and a south conservatory. Since the 1970s, additional expansions, renovations, redesigns, and rehabilitations have taken place, including updates to the electrical and plumbing systems, as well as the addition of a visitor center.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

It is a City of Pittsburgh historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The sophisticated glass and metalwork of the Lord & Burnham conservatory offers an interesting example of Victorian greenhouse architecture.

Seven Paint Brushes glass art by Dale Chihuly

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The World War I memorial of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health, hygiene and sanitation in Schenley Park. It was the work of sculptor Giuseppe Moretti in 1922, and dedicated to medical personnel in the war.

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This is Goldenrod, Teal and Citron Chandelier created by Dale Chihuly hanging in the glass-domed entrance of the Welcome Center.

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In 1970, the Conservatory was declared a Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. In 1976, the Phipps Conservatory was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Inside the tropical forest conservatory. An alligator here is part of the Jungle Quest show.

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The white marble Knelling Venus in Palm Court was presented to the Conservatory on opening day.

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Chihuly’s Desert Gold Star in the desert room.

The Desert Room

Some of the formal gardens

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Some more exterior images

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What you should know:

• Free parking is available.

• Public Restrooms are available.

• There is a small cafe on-site.

• There are walking trails through the giant greenhouse.

• There is an admission charge, and the tour is self-guided.

• You could spend an hour or more here exploring, depending on you level of interest.

• Check the website for days and hours of operation, and for any special events.

• People are friendly and informative.

Location: One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

For more information: Phipps Conservatory

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