When it was opened in 1908, the Garfield Park Conservatory was considered an engineering wonder and a fine example of Prairie School architecture on a grand scale. Multitudes of Chicagoans filed through the exotic gardens admiring an assemblage of flora that was larger and more diverse than anything that had ever been collected under one roof. As the conservatory celebrates its Centennial in 2008, the structure itself still impresses, and the overflowing greenery inside still provides year-round access to spreading palms and fragrant orange blossoms.
The mammoth glass dome that covers the conservatory and its adjoining wings allows the Midwestern sun to shine down on plants from across the globe. Species are divided in various rooms and exhibits including palms, ferns, desert aroid and something called the “sweet house” (fruits and other food plants). The soaring roof provides ample space for the dense arrangements of plants and trees that occupy almost every available inch of floor space. Winding stone paths, occasionally overgrown by encroaching plants, are cut into the landscape and meander in rough circles around the arrangements. Several rooms have irregular pools incorporated into the landscaping, which adds an additional natural element to the surroundings. Among the highlights of the conservatory is the display in the Aroid room, which incorporates original works remaining from Dale Chihuly’s 2001-2002 exhibition.
With additional gardens and paths outside, the conservatory can be more than just a rainy day destination. The conservatory can be reached via the CTA’s green line at the Central Park stop, but parking in the neighboring lot is free. Admission to the Garfield Park Conservatory is also free, which makes a visit one of the better deals in town. And though you can see, smell and learn about living things from around the world, there’s none of the nagging guilt that can be associated with a trip to the zoo. Most plants looked quite content to be grown in captivity.
Though the conservatory is free to the public, the aging building is always in need of further renovations. If you go, please consider making a small donation.
