A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of having a day off (something rare, indeed!) It was a surprisingly mild winter day for Chicago, so I decided to check out a place that I hadn't been to in years. Why it took me so long to revisit the Garfield Park Conservatory, I'll never understand--the place is amazing!
A giant turn-of-the-century glass dome that covers some of the most stunning and beautifully designed interior gardens you can imagine. The bonus? It was designed by Prairie School know-how and it's cost free to visit! If you visit the Conservancy's website, you get a little more background on the history of this remarkable place:
Constructed between 1906 and 1907, the Garfield Park Conservatory was designed by Jens Jensen
in collaboration with Prairie School architects Schmidt, Garden and
Martin and the New York engineering firm of Hitchings and Company. It
represents a unique collaboration of architects, engineers, landscape
architects, sculptors and artisans.
Jensen conceived the Conservatory as a series of naturalistic
landscapes under glass, a revolutionary idea at the time. The simple
yet strong shape of the structure, which is meant to emulate the
haystacks of the Midwest, complements the collection of plants and
foliage that it houses.
Referred to as "landscape art under glass," the Garfield Park
Conservatory occupies approximately 4.5 acres inside and out, and
includes cold frames and propagating houses where thousands of plants
are grown each year for displays in Garfield, Lincoln, and Grant Parks.
It lives up to it's reputation. I was bowled over with how well every display was integrated and natural feeling. The Fern Room especially makes you feel like you've suddenly been transported back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. The next time you also have a free day, check out the free wonders that await at this Chi-town gem!
Image copyright the Garfield Park Conservatory
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