Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Basics
Phipps Conservatory comprises some two dozen themed gardens and indoor areas, including a 14-room glasshouse, a tropical forest, sunken garden, orchid room, palm court, discovery garden, and desert room. Most visitors to the conservatory opt for a self-guided tour of the grounds, and depending on pace, this could take anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day. Phipps also offers guided tours of the conservatory and the production greenhouse, as well as special Center for Sustainable Landscapes tours focusing on the eco-friendly aspects of the buildings and landscapes.
Things to Know Before You Go
Choose between a self-guided tour or hour-long guided group tour.
Dress in layers for warm outdoor temperatures in summer and cool indoor temperatures in winter.
Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
All gardens are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the Stove Room.
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the garden cafe.
How to Get There
Phipps Conservatory is situated in the middle of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood within Schenley Park. The easiest way to arrive is by car, and the gardens offers free visitor parking along Schenley Drive.
When to Get There
The conservatory is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm and remains open until 10pm on Friday evenings, allowing visitors to experience Phipps at night. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the quietest days, particularly during the late afternoon hours.
Seasonal Flower Shows at Phipps
Phipps Conservatory hosts special events throughout the year, including the popular Winter Flower Show and Light Garden in December and January, when hours are extended to 11pm. Other annual events include a seed and plant swap, orchid and bonsai show, and spring, summer, and fall seasonal flower shows.
- Things to do in Pennsylvania
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Niagara Falls
- Things to do in Washington DC
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Philadelphia
- Things to do in Williamsburg
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Brooklyn
- Things to do in Long Island
- Things to do in Greenville
- Things to do in Chicago
- Things to do in Virginia
- Things to do in New York