• Visitor Information

Visitor Information

Garfield Park Conservatory

Plan your next outing to visit one of the nation's premier conservatories with six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls. Or for that special occasion - weddings, reunions, business meetings - rent one or all of the Conservatory rooms.

Location

The Garfield Park Conservatory is located in the west side neighborhood of Garfield Park in Chicago, Illinois. View the Directions page for detailed travel information.

Garfield Park Conservatory
300 North Central Park Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60624-1945

Hours

The Garfield Park Conservatory is open 365 days a year.

Daily Hours:
9 am - 5 pm
Wednesdays:
9 am - 8 pm

Admission

Admission to the Conservatory is FREE! We do ask for a suggested donation at the door, and during special events & exhibits. Please check the Events page for more information.

Parking

FREE PARKING is just south of the Conservatory's main entrance in the visitor parking lot.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The Conservatory is wheelchair accessible, except for the Fern Room. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors using wheelchairs and those who are otherwise unable to climb stairs may enter the Conservatory at the Main Entrance, 300 N. Central Park Ave., via the North or South ramps. For more information view the Garfield Park Conservatory Campus Map.

Room Rentals

For that special occasion — weddings, reunions, business meetings — rent one of several Conservatory rooms. For information call (312) 746-5250. Learn More ‣

Field Trips and Group Visits

Groups of 10 or more must pre-register for their Conservatory visit at least one week in advance by calling 773-638-1766 ext. 25. School, camp, and youth groups must pre-register by calling 773-638-1766 ext. 25, or submit a registration form from our Group Visits page.

Filming and Photography

Visitors are welcome to take photographs for their personal use.

A Chicago Park District Media Permit is required for any of the following activities:

  • Filming for commercial use
  • Photography for commercial use (e.g., advertising, catalog photos, publication, etc.)
  • Filming or Photography for documentary or Web-based media
  • Filming or photography for non-commercial use (e.g., engagement or wedding photos)
  • Filming or photography for student project use (student applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited school to obtain a student media permit)

For additional information visit the Chicago Park District Media Permits Division website or call the Park District, Department of Revenue directly at 312-742-5369.

Gift Shop

Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory Gift Shop for exclusive arts, plants, gifts and books. The Gift Shop features hand-crafted items, potted plants grown at the Conservatory, beautiful books and tasty chocolates. Click here for shop hours and information.

Refreshments

The Conservatory Gift Shop offers a selection of delicious sandwiches and salads along with assorted desserts and beverages.

Shows & Events

Throughout the year there is always something fun, educational and exciting happening at the Conservatory. From seasonal flower shows to incredibly diverse, world-class exhibits, from Dale Chihuly’s breathtaking Garden of Glass, to the evocative Zimbabwean stone sculpture of Chapungu, to the newly discovered dinosaurs of GIANTS. Learn More ‣

Demonstrations & Workshops

Beyond gardening workshops led by expert instructors, we also offer a number of classes that appeal to a variety of other interests, including cooking, arts and crafts, and much more. At the Conservatory, there truly is something for everyone! For information call 773-638-1766. Learn More ‣

Visiting With Kids

Garfield Park Conservatory is a fantastic place to bring family members of all ages; because something’s always growing, there’s always something new to discover! To make your “growing” experience here even more enjoyable, we offer a number of special educational opportunities free for kids and families. Learn More ‣

Baby Changing Stations

Baby changing stations are available in the Women’s and Men’s restrooms in the Lobby of the Conservatory.

Research

For information about conducting research at the Garfield Park Conservatory, contact Collections at 312-350-8496.

Teachers' Resource

This 3.5 acre wonder under glass can serve teachers of all grades as they assist children in understanding plant growth and reproduction, and the importance that plants play in our everyday lives. Teachers are invited to lead their groups through the collection of the Conservatory at no cost. Or they may enhance their existing curricula by purchasing Scavenger Hunts to use within the unique and exotic plant collection that is found at the Garfield Park Conservatory — one of the world’s largest conservatories! Learn More ‣