Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, gifted to Pittsburgh by steel magnate and philanthropist Henry Phipps, was envisioned as "a source of instruction as well as pleasure." A friend and business partner of Andrew Carnegie, Phipps left a legacy rooted in education, beauty, and civic generosity.

Nestled in Schenley Park, the Conservatory was designed by the renowned greenhouse firm Lord & Burnham of New York. Completed in 1893 for $110,000—an immense sum at the time—it featured nine display houses adorned with glass vaults, "silvered" domes, and a grand Romanesque stone entrance. Upon opening on December 7, 1893, it was the largest Conservatory in the United States, showcasing tropical specimens from the Chicago Columbian Exposition.

For a century, the City of Pittsburgh managed Phipps, but financial constraints led to a new chapter in 1993 when Phipps Conservatory, Inc. signed a 100-year lease and assumed management. The transition ushered in expanded educational programming and, in 1997, a new name—Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens—to reflect its evolving mission.

Today, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is celebrated as one of the nation's oldest and largest Victorian glasshouses. It houses vibrant collections of orchids (including a miniature variety), tropical plants, palms, ferns, succulents, and butterflies. Its outdoor gardens include the Discovery Garden, Japanese Courtyard Garden, bonsai collections, herb and perennial gardens, and aquatic landscapes, making it a year-round destination for inspiration and ecological learning.

At Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, curiosity blooms across all ages. Whether you're six or sixty, our diverse educational offerings inspire lifelong learning. Explore your passion through classes in photography, painting, and dried flower arranging—or dive into hands-on workshops and lectures on medicinal plants, composting, seasonal gardening, and sustainable practices. Members receive quarterly bulletins with the latest class schedule.

To accommodate busy schedules, evening program classrooms open one hour before class begins. Participants are welcome to bring dinner, making it easy for professionals nearby to join without heading home first. For added convenience, evening attendees receive a parking pass and instructions to access a designated lot near the education wing.

The gift shop features botanically inspired treasures—from cards and toys to artisanal toiletries and home décor. It offers a curated selection of plants, cookbooks, and gardening guides for gifts that celebrate nature in every form.