Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Park
Historic conservatory and botanical gardens in Pittsburgh
A Victorian glass conservatory in Pittsburgh with rotating floral shows, themed greenhouses and permanent plant collections. Visitors attend seasonal displays, educational programs and explore horticultural exhibits and adjoining outdoor gardens.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at a Glance#
Address: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
Website: https://phipps.conservatory.org/
Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:00pm, closed Mondays (hours may vary for special events)
Admission: Adults $19-$21 (varies by exhibit), children and seniors reduced rates; free for members
About Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens#
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a public botanical garden and historic glasshouse located in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1893 and combines a 19th-century conservatory with contemporary display and education facilities.
The original Victorian-era glasshouse and multiple greenhouse bays that host tropical, arid and seasonal displays, plus rotating floral exhibitions and educational programmes. The institution also runs horticulture and sustainability initiatives and public outreach.
The conservatory has expanded over time with additional display houses and gardens while maintaining the original 1893 glasshouse as a focal point for visitors.
Phipps lies on the edge of central Pittsburgh within Schenley Park, close to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University and easily reached from downtown Pittsburgh.
- Founding date and location: Founded in 1893, the conservatory sits within Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park and combines a 19th-century glasshouse with modern display facilities.
What to See#
- Victorian conservatory: The historic glasshouse complex built in 1893 that forms the conservatory’s core and houses temperate and tropical plant displays.
- Display gardens and exhibitions: Seasonal display gardens and rotating exhibitions that occupy galleries and greenhouse bays and present changing floral shows throughout the year.
How to Get to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens#
Phipps Conservatory is located in Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, a short drive or bus ride from downtown. Nearest public transit: several Port Authority bus routes stop near Schenley Drive; limited parking is available on site and at nearby park lots.
Tips for Visiting Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens#
- Buy timed tickets online for special exhibits and the tropical glasshouse to avoid entry queues.
- Visit the seasonal flower shows (Spring and Holiday displays) which are popular and best seen early on opening days.
- Cross into the Tropical Forest Conservatory early in the morning when humidity is lower and plants are at their freshest.
Best Time to Visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens#
Best year‑round because main attractions are indoor displays; plan for popular seasonal shows in spring and winter holidays.
Weather & Climate near Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens#
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (972 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 3° | -6° | 63 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -6° - 6° | -4° | 58 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 11° | 2° | 83 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 18° | 11° | 83 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 24° | 17° | 100 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 28° | 21° | 99 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 30° | 23° | 100 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 29° | 23° | 91 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 26° | 19° | 81 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 65 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 77 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 6° | -3° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
