Conservatories Tour
Climatron® Conservatory
The stunning Climatron has become a symbolic image of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The geodesic domed structure was inspired by the design of R. Buckminster Fuller. Covering over a half-acre, the Climatron houses some 1,200 species of plants in a natural, tropical setting. Visitors enjoy viewing bananas, cacao, and coffee trees, plus a collection of orchids and epiphytes.
The Climatron is also home to a variety of animals, including tropical birds. Several pools and waterfalls give a sense of lushness, as if visitors were within a true tropical rainforest. The Climatron is ever-changing and is an impressive display throughout the year. Click here
Shoenberg Temperate House
The Shoenberg Temperate House complements the Climatron, flanking the domed structure to the north. This spacious conservatory displays plants unique to the temperate regions of the world: Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, South America, the Mediterranean Sea basin, coastal California, and the southeastern United States.
The Temperate House has seven distinct interior gardens. Plants of the Bible can be found in one display, as can figs, grapes, pomegranates, laurel, and numerous herbs and spice plants. A special carnivorous plant area displays insect-eating flora. In addition, a historic stone portico overlooks a beautifully tiled Moorish walled garden that reflects major elements in the history of formal garden design. Peak season of interest is late winter/early spring. Click here for more detailed information about the Temperate House.
Linnean House
The Linnean House, the oldest continuously operating greenhouse conservatory in the United States, contains the Garden's camellia collection. Camellias, members of the tea family, bloom in January.
The Linnean House, built by Henry Shaw in 1882, was named for Carl Linnaeus, the father of plant classification. Busts of Linnaeus, Thomas Nuttall, and Asa Gray, prominent early botanists, adorn the roof of the building. The busts were a gift of Henry Shaw; they were sculpted in 1881 and 1882 by American Howard Kretschmer. Click here for more detailed information about the Linnean House.
Former and Future Desert House
The Desert House that many St. Louisans remember was demolished in 1994. Because of its deteriorated condition, it was no longer safe for visitors. The former Desert House was built in 1913 as part of the Palm Complex which also included the Palm House and the former Mediterranean House. The Palm House and Mediterranean House were replaced with the Climatron® conservatory and the Temperate House, in 1960 and 1990 respectively.
The future Desert House will mirror the shape of the Temperate House. The photo at the right shows the design for the proposed structure. The Garden still retains many unusual and rare varieties of cacti and succulents in a greenhouse that is not open to the public. This wonderful collection cannot be on public display until the Garden receives a generous donation to fund the new Desert House.