| The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has | | | | In 1978, the Phipps Conservatory was again closed |
| a long and interesting history. It first opened in 1893. | | | | for a period of time. It was closed for 18 months not |
| It was built by Henry Phipps to be a place of | | | | because of any damages, but rather to make |
| education and relaxation. Henry Phipps insisted that | | | | substantial improvements both inside and outside the |
| the conservatory must be open on Sundays so that | | | | conservatory. Some of the renovations that were |
| workers could visit on their day off. The original | | | | done included redesigning a few of the greenhouses, |
| building had nine rooms that were designed by a New | | | | replacing glass panels and adding new growing |
| York firm called Lord and Burnham for $100,000. The | | | | benches to the production greenhouses. |
| first plants to be used in the conservatory came | | | | In 2003, an ambitious expansion project spanning |
| from the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, | | | | several years began. Phase one was completed in |
| once the exposition ended in November 1893. Also of | | | | 2005 with the opening of a new 11,000 square foot |
| note is the fact that admission was free to Phipps | | | | building to welcome visitors. It is the first public |
| until after the early 1940's. | | | | garden visitor center in the US to be LEED Certified |
| In 1931, the already impressive collection of plants at | | | | (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). |
| the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was | | | | Phase two of the Phipps Conservatory expansion |
| expanded. The owner of the Armstrong Cork | | | | project completed in 2006 and consisted of two |
| Company, Charles D. Armstrong, donated 800 rare | | | | major accomplishments. The first one is the addition |
| orchids. At the time, they were valued at $50,000. | | | | of 36,000 square feet of new production |
| It is interesting to note that the first plants on display | | | | greenhouses. The second accomplishment is the |
| were usually placed in pots on benches that were | | | | opening of a new 12,000 square foot public |
| two to three feet tall. In 1935, Ralph Griswold, the | | | | greenhouse called the Tropical Forest Conservatory. |
| head of the Phipps Conservatory's horticulture | | | | It has multiple levels, has a more educational focus |
| department began to change this style of gardening. | | | | and has a theme that will change every two years. |
| He began to place the plants in a more natural garden | | | | Phase three began in 2007. The first part of this |
| setting, much like the designs that currently exist in | | | | phase is to concentrate on fundraising and designing. |
| the conservatory. | | | | The goal of the third phase is to design and build a |
| The conservatory was closed from February 1937 to | | | | "living" building. Phase three will also include a Center |
| September 1938 due to a windstorm. The windstorm | | | | for Sustainable Landscapes, new administrative |
| was so severe that it shattered the glass panes in | | | | offices and educational space. This expansion phase is |
| the greenhouses. As well, the distinctive arch on the | | | | scheduled to be completed in 2010. |
| roof of the Palm Court had to be removed because | | | | The story of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical |
| it was so badly damaged. It took 20 months to | | | | Gardens is not over. It continues to change and to |
| repair all the damage that the conservatory | | | | be a leader of gardens open to the public in the |
| sustained. When it reopened, Phipps hosted the Fall | | | | United States. |
| Flower Show of 1938. | | | | |