An extraordinary gift was given to the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by Henry W. Phipps. It was the nation’s newest and largest conservatory. The Victorian-style glasshouse, known as Phipps Conservatory, opened to the public on December 7, 1893. It displayed over 6,000 exotic plants from the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, transported to Pittsburgh by train and horse-drawn carts.
Today, visitors will be wowed by the variety of native and exotic plants exquisitely displayed in the 14-room glasshouse and 23 outdoor gardens. The diverse plant collection includes desert plants such as bright red fire barrels, native to the southwestern United States, and Cape aloe, native to South Africa. The Conservatory also includes a tropical Fern Room with unusual plants like Mozambique’s near-threatened Zululand cycad and Tasmanian tree ferns. Other unique plants thrive in the Palms and Bonsai sections along with the Tropical Fruit and Spice Room. A designated Orchid room is sure to please guests with an abundance of flowers including some spectacular award-winners. A large model train display includes local scenery and Pittsburgh landmarks like Three Rivers Stadium, circa 1970, and a tribute to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Visit Phipps during the Christmas holiday season and you’ll find the Conservatory and the gardens decorated with seasonal arrangements and festive light displays. A small café, restrooms and a gift shop are available. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are located in Schenley Park.
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