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Garfield Park Conservatory
Categories: Active Life Parks Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Parks, Botanical Gardens [Edit]
300 N Central Park(between 5th Ave & Carroll Ave)
Chicago, IL 60624
Neighborhood: East Garfield Park
(312) 746-5100
- Nearest Transit:
-
Conservatory (Green Line)
Pulaski-Green (Green Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
Wed 9 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
204 reviews for Garfield Park Conservatory
204 reviews in English
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Review from Yvonne B.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of my fondest memories is of enjoying my backyard. It had tulips lining the fence, a peach and apple tree, two large silver maples, and a vegetable garden in the corner. Now I live in a building that has a parking lot out back and a busy road beyond it. There is no garden and minimal beauty. It's because of urban living like mine that makes the Garfield Park Conservatory so important to Chicagoland. Gosh, even folks with lovely yards can appreciate the conservatory.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is painfully easy to enjoy. It has it's own stop off of the CTA Green Line, a FREE parking lot, and FREE admission. I sometimes feel bad that I can experience such beauty at no cost to myself.
There are several connected green-house like rooms, each with different themes. Unobtrusive name plaques are stuck in the dirt by various plants to quench the curiosity of people who want to know "just what IS that exquisite flower?!" Secretive walkways weave through moss covered rocks and draped with green branches. It feels practically scandalous to sneak through them, but they are there for your enjoyment. Aaah! Does it appeal to "The Secret Garden" heart in me!
One of my favorite rooms has a somewhat secluded bench facing a lovely pond with coy dancing among Chihuly glass-blown lily pads. Unfortunately, it's a popular spot and I've only been able to sit there once or twice. That's fine because there are many other nooks and crannies to appreciate - including the outdoor Monet garden and expansive alfresco pond.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is a magical place for all ages. It might illicit thoughts of dancing fairies, or simply allow those thoughts to freely wonder. I love the conservatory for dates, photography, and to calm my nerves. Seriously. It's like yoga. I don't know how a person could visit the conservatory and not be delighted and inspired.
One thing that you should note is that a hail storm ruined a few of the rooms on June 30, 2011. The roofs have since been restored, but the plants and flowers are still being established. There are some planks laid down for walkways in some rooms. It's clear to see that these rooms were once magnificent and will be again in the near future.Listed in: Dates, Museums and Other Cultural…
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Review from Phoebe W.
1/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Hooray the glass roof is fixed so I can visit the Jurassic Park rooms! Wait, that's not the official name? Could've fooled me.
There's tons of parking and it's all FREE. I check their website on a regular basis for free activities and come to their once a month origami workshop with my work kids. They provide all the materials and snacks and actually take the time to do the projects. How great is that? I'll definitely be back when the Chicago winter extends into the spring months and I long for some heat and greenery. -
Review from Gail A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2011 7 photos
This place was God sent during my summer trip to Chicago for a good friend's wedding. I was going through a rough patch in my life and was in Chicago before heading home to deal with some pretty serious family stuff. I had some time to wander the city a day before the wedding and decided to head to the conservatory after getting my nails done to have some time to myself to think. Hopping on the train to escape the city reminded me of my time in New York when I just needed to get away. I loved being able to hop on a train at any point and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and just life in general. The cool thing about the train from the city to Garfield Park Conservatory was that everything was above ground so I was able to put on my headphones and take in views of the city from the train.
Once I got off the train, the conservatory was a short walk away. The woman at the door handed me a map and informed me about some rooms that were closed off because of some significant damage done during a recent storm, but they also told me about a special interactive exhibit about bees for kids that was open during my visit, which I absolutely loved. I got some stickers and a free can of mint iced tea!
The garden geek within got a little giddy while strolling through the exhibits. The plants they have here are amazing and so beautiful. I couldn't stop taking pictures. Even with the rooms that were out of commission, I spent about two hours just wandering and observing each plant and oogling the pretty gardens. I'm from Hawai'i originally, so it made me happy to see some Hawaiian plants being represented all the way in Chicago. And it was strange but heartwarming to see some plants that represented such poignant points in my life, like the African polka dot plant that my roommates gave me in college when I was going through a difficult break up. I really felt like my impromptu trip to the conservatory was meant to be, like I needed the time to myself to just wander, think and appreciate the simple, beautiful things in life. Totally cheese, but I believe it.
Needless to say, I recommend a trip here. It's the perfect city escape for any local or visitor. I have a ton of photos from my visit and I still want to go back. Best part about about it is that it's free. -
Review from Carm O.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
As a lifelong Chicago resident, this was my first visit. My family & I loved it. I think it is a beautiful place that is so rich in history. (In one of the side rooms, they have beautiful pictures throughout the years). I was amazed at what they had to offer. The best part of it was that it was free!!! You can see the labor of love that must go into maintaining the grounds and all of the beautiful plants, trees, fountains, etc... It is amazing. I would totally recommend taking a visit and park in the parking lot that is next door. (That is also free). The only thing that totally pissed me off was that the woman working at the counter when you walked in was so damn rude. She never greeted us, never even looked at us. All she said is, what's your zip code. That was it. With an attitude like that, I would hope she is volunteering and not getting paid. What a horrible first impression!!!
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Review from sandra t.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love visiting this conservatory. So well manicured. The sad part is, there was hail storm damage to the green house windows and they are in dire need of donations for repairs.
They have various rooms of plants representing different ecosystems. One of their most famous rooms, the palm room, had the most damage.
I recommend purchasing gifts in the gift store to help with the repair funding. They even have coffee. Not just any coffee but with beans that were harvested in the conservatory.Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Mary T.
10/28/2011
Bananas, apples and papayas, oh my!
Not wanting to waste an unseasonably warm fall afternoon, we headed out Garfield Park Conservatory. As a kid, my family made frequent pilgrimages to Lincoln Park Conservatory. While LPC will always hold special memories, I adore Garfield Park Conservatory for all of the things it isn't:
* Expensive - it's free! FREE!
* Difficult to find parking. There's a free parking lot right near the green line and street parking is easy too. Or the green line will practically drop you at the door.
* A crazy mecca for tourists. Located away from the other tourist hotspots keeps it from getting crazy up in here.
Currently, the conservatory is a little bruised and battered, but don't count it out. If you're not in the know, the conservatory was hit hard by a recent hail storm, which severely damaged parts of the roof and the closure of the Fern Room, Show House, Desert House and propagation houses.
Despite the closures, I had a great time wandering around GPC. While all of the gardens and rooms were interesting in their own way, my favorite was the Sugar from the Sun. Having never seen bananas, papaya or pineapples anywhere but a farmer's market or grocery store, it was nice to see them growing. My next favorite was the children's area, especially the "sensitive plant."
The outdoor gardens each have different themes, of the ones we saw, the Lily pool was my favorite - spotting fish, checking out plants, etc. I found the elliptical lawn just off the bluestone terrace most confusing. The lawn itself if a great place to relax and escape, but despite following the directions, I couldn't locate the spot - noted on a placard - with the spectacular city view. All I could see was a mere glimpse of the Sears Tower's spire - I must try again on my next visit.
You don't have to have a green thumb to enjoy GPC; it's a fun (free) way to feel like you've escaped to more exotic parts (minus the umbrella drinks), even if only for an afternoon.Listed in: Chica-go-go
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Review from Carolyn K.
Schiller Park, IL
12/29/2011
Yesterday was my first trip to the conservatory and it truly was a breath of fresh air! The flowers and plants are beautiful and the waterfalls are definitely an added bonus! I went on their late day (Wednesday) which does not close until 8pm. By around 5pm this place pretty much emptied out and that may be due to the darkness. But it was still a nice place to walk around, relax, listen to all of the sounds and breathe the clean air. They have a children's section also which I thought was cute and a bit educational as well.
This place is free, parking is free.. Just go! You will not be disappointed, especially if it gets you out of a Chicago brutal winter for an hour or so! -
Review from Adrienne G.
Chicago, IL
10/6/2011
One of my very very favorite places to go in the city. It's free if you live in the city and is just absolutely gorgeous.
Come here with friends to hang out, or just to chill by yourself. Either way it's a nice break from city life within the city, and there are tons of different plants. -
Review from Maureen S.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2011
Give this place all your love. Give the gift shop so much of your money. Give them your zip code so they get your ward's tax dollars.
The perfect place to take anyone. Every time I visit, I wish I had planned to stay the entire day. I want to live across the street. This is one of the most wonderful, magical places I have ever been. -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2011 4 photos
Winter doesn't seem to be the best time to visit because the outdoor gardens were covered in snow. Or maybe it is a good time to escape the freezing cold and admire the plant life. The inside temperatures range from tropical/toasty to cool.
There are 7 indoor rooms in this Victorian conservatory, including the Desert House, Aroid House, Palm House, Fern Room, etc. One house has a children's play area with slides. The humid fern room is extremely lush. Rocks are covered with liverwort. One room seemed to have fake insect sounds. One room has a koi pond. There are statues and waterfalls.
The environment changes as you go from room to room. You start out in the warm palm house and end up in the cool room (the Show House) filled with colorful flowers (e.g., azaleas, camellias).
It's not that different from the Lincoln Park Conservatory but I like the LP better - maybe because I could see the gorgeous outdoor gardens at LP.
The gift shop is small and sells t-shirts, science kits for kids, candles, lotions, plants, bird feeders. They also sell food (sandwiches, salads and snacks).
Open every day, free admission.Listed in: Adventures in the Windy City, The Great Outdoors
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Review from Ken O.
4/3/2011 2 photos
I haven't been the conservatory for couple of years and I needed a feel spring again.
I took the 'el" to this hidden gem which is couple of blocks away from the conservatory.
First, the admission is free. As soon as you walk into the actual conservatory, the scenery just makes a person feel great. The conservatory has several rooms to view. I believe the conservatory is larger than the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Currently, the Spring Show is being displayed. Just beautiful. Just plan to spend more than 30 minutes to walk through this conservatory.
Overall, I would highly recommend this hidden gem. -
Review from Kyle H.
Since when did GPC get a lizard?
http://www.yelp.com/bi...Listed in: Oh, The Places That I'll Go!, Tourist for a Day, Wintertime Retreats, Nature Beautiful Nature, I'm a Museum Lover!
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/16/2010
Since I don't do "Check-In", consider this Update mine. The Flower Show is up, and incredibly… Read more »
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Review from Kate M.
1/22/2011
What a nice way to spend a freezing cold winter afternoon...all warmed up amid the lush greenery at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Admission is free, parking is free, the sense of calm you'll feel surrounded by beauty is free. You can't go wrong. It's not a huge conservatory, big enough to spend a couple hours slowly meandering through. Maybe sit and relax for a bit with your special someone and just soak up the greenness (I might be biased, green is my favorite color).
On a recent trip we spotted a lizard lunching on some leaves in the Fern Room. He was apparently pretty hungry but hung out long enough for us to get a couple pictures.
If you haven't been to the Garfield Park Conservatory you've gotta go. A few times. And bring someone special.Listed in: A Nerd's Guide to…, A weekend in Chicago
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Review from Kerri G.
Gurnee, IL
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place! So sad to see the damage the storm created, but it was a beautiful day and the plants and flowers were amazing!
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Review from Amanda C.
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
As always... absolutely stunning. This is a great place to go alone, with the kids, or for a romantic stroll with your significant other.
I visit every couple of months and there is always something new to see. Always clean and well maintained, friendly staff. The kids area is really nice and educational. My kids enjoyed digging up stuff.
I must go more often!!! The spring show is on right now, oh my the colors!!!! Gorgeous... can't wait to go back next month when the Monet garden has fully bloomed :) -
Review from Yi Z.
4/1/2011
I've been freezing my California butt off in the cold Illinois weather so we went on an excursion to the Conservatory. I didn't expect much but I was blown away.
What's truly amazing is that the Conservatory has retained a lot of the same characteristics as when it first opened over 100 years ago. Back in the day, this must have been spectacular.
Each room has its own climate and personality. The first room I walked into was the warmest. I felt like I was in a sauna and I even started to sweat a little. The Conservatory has a nice mix of flowers and plants and is a great place to hang out when it's cold outside. Best of all. it's Free! -
Review from Janet E.
9/28/2010
I could believe how beautiful this place is! I thought it was going to be a plant here, a plant there, but they were everywhere!!!! They even have stone pathways that break part so that a little river runs through it!!!! It looks like a little national park! My mother would love this place! There are so many unique plants. You definitely need to check out the biggest PALM tree in this place. It is HUGE! The best part about the conservatory is that its all enclosed so you can come here when its raining or snowing. Also, because its enclosed, there are practically no bugs. Yay!!!! (I hate bugs, but love plants!) That Jens Jensen (the architect) is a GENIUS!
When I came, they had their annual County Fair going on in their parking lot area. I didn't get a chance to check it out, but it looked like a lot was going on! Lots of kids! Family friendly!
I will definitely be back! -
Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
Here's what I'mma gonna do...
Every time I become absolutely enraged by the amount of money I pay to the City of Chicago for: parking tickets, city stickers, parking tickets, property taxes, parking tickets, sales tax, parking tickets, red light tickets, parking tickets...ok, you get it? Every time I get mad about it, I'm going to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory.
I'm going to pretend that every single penny of my tax money goes to fund beautiful, wonderful, lush gardens, trees, ferns and flowers in Garfield Park. Yes, that is going to make my world right-o, guaranteed. There's even a meditative labriynth if I start spewing expletives at the parking meter fairies that dance around my head....kidding, kidding.
First things first, GETTING THERE. Very easy (FREE, go figure) parking just south of the Conservatory, near the train station. And yes, the green line (towards harlem) drops off mere STEPS from the main attraction, so there are no excuses not to make a stop in the very near future. Free parking and easy transit...*win/win.
Secondly, it's FREE. Yes, free. Donations accepted, but no guilt trips were found on my visit.
As for the sights? Well, it's very...green. Many rooms full of gardeny-glory. The original building (fern room) was built in 1907, check out the cornerstone...bonus points if you find it and report back! There are indoor and outdoor gardens, a children's area, koi pond, large lillypad pond (outside), lots of room for walking or lollygagging, tables for hanging out, or perhaps even having a light picnic.
It's all peaceful up in here. Very, very peaceful. And innocent. And pretty. And free. And part of what makes our Chicago so categorically dynamic.
For an event? Just masterful. I can't even imagine the potential with such a beautiful urban backdrop, amidst such a country type setting. INcredible. Anyone getting married soon? Invite me! I'm a great guest.
Finally, I check this off my list...but rest assured, I'll be back. I get a lot of parking tickets!
*sidenote, the neighborhood is not the most...err..."ungritty" so to speak, so do use caution if you are biking or walking...and ya know, anytime you are in the city. :)Listed in: Cheap! Cheap!, Galleries, museums, etc.
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Review from Roseann M.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2011
I've never tried LSD (really, truly), but I imagine that Garfield Park Conservatory acts on my brain just as strongly as a powerful hallucination. I'm lifted out of my body. A rush of humidity and green scent fills my head and makes me dizzy. I stand next to a pond, listen to water rushing, watch a turtle dive from a rock into the pond and swim with its head above the water, and I absorb all that life and warmth and fecund air and think, yes, it is true, we really are God, we are part of this, I am a co-creator, and this is all my doing.
Doesn't that sound like an LSD trip, those of you who would know?
When I come back into my body a little bit, I think of scenes from The Empire Strikes Back. Remember Yoda on Dagobah? I feel the Force all around me. I, too, can lift that X-Wing fighter out of the mucky pond.
Well, yeah, maybe I am getting a little carried away. . . but maybe I'm not.
But oh, my friends, I really needed to find some green things, and warmth, and satisfy my longing for spring. This place will do that for you. My friend and I were only there today for a little under an hour, but that lifted our spirits and brought new hope to our hearts.
The facts: it is free. Donations are gratefully accepted. Be sure to cough up some money when you go; we need to support this place.
We came mid-day on a weekday. There were no crowds. We saw lots of women with babies and young children, a high school group on tour, and a few other stray visitors like us. If you can come on a weekday, I recommend it.
Weekday means that we had easy parking in the adjacent lot, south of the building. If you are Green yourself and take public transportation, there is a Green Line (appropriate, huh?) stop at Central Park, less than a block away. Easy breezy.
You're supposed to be able to buy food, etc. there. I didn't see a restaurant or even a vending machine anywhere.I went into the gift shop, and it was pretty small. Some nice T-shirts and other doodads, some chocolate treats.
I don't think either one of us even used the washrooms, so I can't tell you if they are clean, dirty, or outhouses.
I signed up for a class on composting in April. I will update then.
Bottom line: this place didn't save my life, but it filled my heart and soul. If you can't visit right now, just hug a tree in your neighborhood. We are all co-creators, after all. -
Review from Patrice P.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2011
This is an absolutely stunning retreat right in the heart of the city. The botanical assortment is bar none. Best of all, admission is...free. It's the perfect escape for the city gal (or dude) who seeks a bit of serenity. The Conservatory also makes an ideal destination for a freebie and unique date.
I highly recommend Garfield Park Conservatory for city weddings. You can feel good about "giving back" while providing a luxurious and unparalleled atmosphere for your guests. Also, check out Garfield Park Conservatory's annual fundraiser Fleurotica (where flowers meet fashion). Chicago's top floral designers compete for the esteemed title of Best in Show while flexing their skills through the design of couture runway fashions, typically limited to traditional materials NOT including florals and plants. The show is a MUST-SEE and the proceeds support the Conservatory's programming. -
Review from Mark W.
7/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I never really plan on coming here... It might be a lazy Sunday, riding down the green line, I'll hear "Conservatory-Central Park is next... Doors open on the right at Conservatory-Central Park", and I'll just get off. Very convenient. Nothing more relaxing than taking a nice stroll through these beautiful show houses. Watch the fish and turtles, breathe the humid air, just chill. Love it.
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Review from Frank Q.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Please come here. This place is free and AWESOME.
This place is huge filled with plants, flowers, rainforests, deserts, ponds, trees, a big outdoor garden and plenty more.
Definitely a diamond in the rough. Be careful getting here since this place is surrounded by pretty tough neighborhoods.
That being said, it's nice to go here to get away from city life and those harsh cold winter days. -
Review from Peter D.
Philadelphia, PA
1/6/2011
Two things before I begin my review:
1. The Garfield Park Conservatory is FREE
2. The Garfield Park Conservatory is open EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR, one of maybe five places in Chicago besides a 7-11 that can say that!
I loved everything about it. The atmosphere is fantastic, the staff is friendly, and the exhibits/rooms are amazing all year round. I went on New Year's Day and there were plenty of people, and especially families, who found themselves admiring the Conservatory with their young children. It's a great way to get the kids out of the house!
As soon as you step in, the smell of the tropical climate just lets you know how special the conservatory is. There are very few places like this left in the world where you can see plant species old, new, rare, and common.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the Garfield Park Conservatory is the room that was designed to resemble what Chicago may have looked like prior to its settlement. It is so funny and odd to picture the Windy City in an environment that probably only exists in parts of South America.
The Conservatory is easily accessible with the CTA as the Green Line has a stop right outside the Conservatory.
It is really unfortunate that Garfield Park is surrounded by such decrepit conditions on what once used to be a nice area of Chicago. The West Side has continued to be renovated and restored through the past decade but it still severely hurt by the poverty of the community.
I highly recommend coming here on holidays or any day! It's free and awesome. -
Review from Nastassia J.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2011
How have I lived in Chicago for nearly 7 years and never visited the Garfield Park Conservatory??? What an amazing gem just outside of Chicago. Free admission. Free parking. Right off the El. Plus, the facility itself is beautiful and is the perfect outing for a cold winters morning. LOVE.
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Review from Rene F.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2011
I always enjoy visiting this conservatory, especially in late winter when I am aching to see green and growing things! Admission is free (you can give a donation) and each plant room is full of beautiful specimens linked by their plant family and/or habitat type.
The Show Room Garden features themed flowering plants - right now (mid Feb.) the spring bloomers are featured. Wow - what a display!
They also have large interesting outdoor gardens, which I have only seen a few times because I tend to visit this place in winter.
Good for kids, too - but if you have scant patience with squealing ankle-biters, you may want to visit on a weekday, either early or late when not so many are running around. Weekends can be a little crowded.
Free parking, and steps from a CTA train station - this is a great place to go! -
Review from Jen H.
10/28/2010
Very cute place! I gave it an extra star b/c it is free admission!
You see papaya and banana trees, and orchids growing on tree trunks, where they are naturally found if you're in the tropics!
Lots of pretty flower blooming at ever corner you turn. Not AS big as you expected, but the conservatory is located 1/2 a block from the train station! The employees there are super friendly! Also, don't forget to visit the gift shop and support the conservatory! -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
3/16/2010 7 photos
A week after posing for The Dickman photo when I happened upon The Dickman sign,
http://static3.px.yelp...
I guess I was still in The Dickman mode, because somehow mostly all I kept seeing at the Garfield Park Conservatory was abundant phalli and related sex indicia. I just couldn't help it.
I'll show you.
Nature's Condom:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The Banana Tree's Banana:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Mongo's Schlong:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Prickly Pricks:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Needle Dick (or, "A Little of Both?")
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
A Standard Classic:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
And, by far the Most Sexual Plant Ever (tell me what you see and how many of them!)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
See what I mean?Listed in: Random Dicks
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Review from Sam K.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2009
I had been working in social services, and had been spending quite a bit of time thinking about one of my current clients: a tiny 11 year old boy who had barely spoken a word to me in the six sessions I had spent with him. Most of his communication with me consisted of drawings of people yelling at him with tears rolling down his face and a large, hulking, angry monster lurking in the corner (I later found out the monster represented me. Thankfully, over the course of our time together I gradually changed, first becoming smaller and closer and eventually green and happy with pink spikey hair. But still ugly.) He had thrown occasional violent temper tantrums, but I had not yet discovered a pattern to his sporadic anger and was beginning to feel privately frustrated.
One afternoon I picked him up and asked him
"What would you like to do today?"
I asked this question at the beginning of all of our sessions, and he usually gave me the silent treatment, while I cheerfully made suggestions and tried to make jokes to make him smile, in vain. This time when he turned his little head toward the window I held my ground, and waited. And waited.
I clicked the stopwatch in my coat pocket, and after 6 minutes (that's a long time!) he finally answered,
"I don't know where it is, but this one time at school we went to this place with all these plants and there was this guy who knew a lot about the plants and my friend Marnie sneaked behind a tree and made a face and it was really funny. And it was really warm and pretty inside and we all got to take home a leaf."
Wow. All right, to the Garfield Park Conservatory we go.
A twenty five minute silent drive later, and we were there. As we climbed out of the car, he said "Race you!" and after I got over the shock of this unprecedented friendliness, I sprinted after him and managed to beat him just as we got to door. Sorry; cred is everything when you're trying to build a bond with an eleven year old boy. I made sure to point out that I kicked his butt, and gently shoved him into a wall, and he laughed - the first laugh since we had met.
We hadn't even stepped inside, and I was already gratified by the impression this place could make on a gentle little spirit in dead winter.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by a wave of warmth and earth and moisture. I saw that he enjoyed it as much as I did. A big smile spread across his face, and he grabbed my hand. I squeezed his, and we started to walk around the conservatory.
We had been enjoying our silent walk around the conservatory for about fifteen minutes when retarded A.K. managed to put her foot in her mouth.
"So I've been wanting to talk to you about the drawing you showed me last time."
Stupid stupid stupid. My client immediately retreated to his happy alone place, which in the modern world consists of video games. He sat down at a bench and pulled out his GameBoy and ignored me for about twenty minutes.
Have you ever seen a kid with one of those things? It took every ounce of willpower I had not to rip it out his hands and throw it.
When he had gotten to a certain level in the game and felt safe again, he stood up and started walking around.
"Girls are stupid."
"You think so? Do you think I'm stupid?"
'You're not a girl. You're grown up. But girls always talk about stupid stuff and are like 'oh my god!' all the time."
He followed with a fantastic extended act mimicking a valley girl, complete with eyerolls, a girly hip jutting walk, and a monologue about credit cards.
"Is that how the girls at your school act?'
"I dunno. Do you know what kind of tree this is?"
"No. Let's look at the label."
But he knew what it was, and told me. And he knew a lot. He gave me a tour of the conservatory describing the plants and the places where they grow and the cycles and how they reproduce. I couldn't get over how much he was talking and how comfortable he was. We "hiked" through the enclosures on the little stones, and raced a little, and played a little hide and seek - no one looked at us or told us we were behaving inappropriately.
As we walked out, I couldn't stop thinking of how wonderful a place this was - how warm and inviting and beautiful it was, and how it offered a little sanctuary of safety in a cold, grey city.
"You know why else girls are stupid?"
"Why?"
"Even when they grow up and have jobs and a house and stuff they don't know how to make sure their kids don't get hurt by bad people."
And we proceeded to have exactly the kind of conversation I had been hoping for since I met him.
I'm so happy that there's this amazing little warm escape right in the middle of the city - not for myself, but for all the little kids who don't quite feel safe enough to talk in their homes, or in the library, or at their schools, or at McDonald's, or even the local playground.Listed in: It's pretty tough to make this…, Conversations
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Review from Carla F.
Chicago, IL
Great place to venture to during Chicago winters. I have been itching to go somewhere warm this winter but I'm still in negotiations with my social worker's salary. I went here for the first time (what?!) today and I feel a little better knowing that when I can't just hop on a plane and escape the midwest that this place will calm that urge if only for an afternoon.
I'm not sure what else I can add that people haven't mentioned in the reviews below me, but if you are reading this and wondering if you should venture over here, trust me when I say you should. -
Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2008 2 Check-ins Here
They never close for holidays.
This is very, very good.
Because I took time off, anticipating a mellow staycation and wound up sick. The kind of nasty cold/flu/kill-me-now-sick where you are sniffly, drippy, achy and vomiting almost all internal organs.
That wasn't what bothered me though. Nope, it was ill, peeling, ruddy complexion that was most upsetting.
What convinced me to leave my bathroom was Jennifer B's review- good for skin? Brilliant!
Because I don't want to put a facialist at risk, and I certainly don't have the energy or attention span to do it myself- I hauled my sick self here, sat down for a few hours and did some sketching.
It was lush, gorgeously beautiful, peaceful, comforting and best of all- skin healing!
Highly, Highly recommended. I will be back soon!Listed in: Survive Chicago Winter (& look…
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Review from Dave S.
12/10/2008
It takes a special kind of place to WOW me. With me being familiar with the Lincoln Park conservatory, I was expecting the same thing here. When I saw the size of the place from the outside my immediate response was "Holy Crap!" This place is huge.
When you walk inside, you are almost transported into a different place/era state of mind. It is an amazing escape from the city. i was here for a holiday party and I was thoroughly impressed as the atmosphere was amazing. it is a perfect place to have a party. i would like to come back to spend a little more time looking around. -
Review from Erin P.
Chicago, IL
10/30/2008
Amazing! What can I say that has not already been said?
Walking around, I felt like I was transferred into a different world. The diversity between the different rooms made the experience even more exciting; some rooms felt like Jurassic Park, others like the desert others like the jungle!
I liked looking at old photos from the past. The conservatory has been around for so and it was fun to imagine what it was like for the Victorian women pictured to walk around it 100 years ago!
When I was sucked into the gift shop I learned something surprising; it turns out that Garfield Conservatory has its oven bee hives and makes its own honey! I would love to see local restaurants begin to use this honey in their cuisine. The accommodating gift shop attendant gave me a sample! I also bought a beautiful glass tulip in a vase. Although obviously not Chihully it made me feel like I was keeping with that glass art tradition.
As stated in many other reviews this is a beautiful hidden, if not forgotten gem, waiting for you to rediscover it. Try it on a winter day to escape the cold- I promise you will not be disappointed! -
Review from Dana F.
5/27/2010
On a gorgeous spring day, it seems foolish not to take advantage of Chicago's parks and scenery. Garfield Conservatory is very peaceful and the rooms are teeming with foliage, little footpaths, colorful flowers, and a turtle or two. Bonus: The fish here are 20 times better than the aquarium and the admission price is 20 times cheaper! The volunteers working there are also very friendly.
The outdoor gardens and lawn were also well maintained and one of the employees suggested that next time we have a picnic on the lawn...she doesn't have to ask me twice! -
Review from Jon F.
5/26/2010
Amazing place at an amazing price! Come see some beautiful, amazing flora and enjoy the afternoon!
I'm not going to lie, this is great for a quick "vacation" from the midwest weather in the dead of winter. The cactus rooms are warm enough to feel like you are on a tropical island. -
Review from Julia A.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2009 2 photos
Sometimes... you just need a day to hang out alone. Don't get me wrong, I like people, but I also like being able to come to a museum or a place like the Garfield Park Conservatory and enjoy things at my own pace. So I drove over here one morning to check it out, and I had an amazing time. Parking is free, and entry is free. It's also right off the Conservatory Green Line stop and a short walk from the Kedzie Metra.
The conservatory is made up of several different themed rooms, which took me a couple hours to meander through. The landscape artists did a beautiful job, and the music piping through the rooms added a nice atmosphere. There's a pond, a sensory garden, and a labyrinth outside surrounding the greenhouses. And since I was alone, I stopped to read every damn plaque I wanted and learned about the history of the greenhouse, its designers, and its supporters. I won't get into all that, because you should go see for yourself. It's amazing how you can feel yourself relax when you slow down and absorb the beauty of a place like this. If you're having one of those agonizingly boring days, just come here and you'll feel exponentially better. Five stars, without a doubt.
I stopped in the gift shop before I left and adopted a chocolate mint plant, which is happily growing in my yard and preparing itself to be made into chocolate mint mojitos :)Listed in: A to Z Random Favorites, A Slice of My Life II
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Review from Anton F.
Houston, TX
1/12/2008
This is my spot. I could spend days, if not weeks here. My uncle told me that when policing the streets got to be too much, they'd get a "call at the conservatory" and have to go check it out.
I can see why.
I've been going here since I was a kid, and it still never loses it's luster. The fern room is probably my favorite, but the transition from that to the aroid room and then the desert house is almost like taking in a sauna and then jumping in a cold lake in the UP of Michigan.
This place can be mad romantic, and while it's a great spot to take a date, definitely not on the first... It would probably overload your libidos and you'd end up doing it out in the car afterwards (or in the palm house if you're randy like I am).
Easy to get to from the train, and you get to see all the stupid yuppies that are prospecting in Garfield Park. Good luck with that dumb-asses.
If you go on a day where they're having a wedding, it's quite fun to disrupt it, and just walk through like you have no idea that anything's going on.
They usually have awesome sculptures from the likes of Dale Chihuly or Niki de Saint Phalle.
In addition; The 9th annual Chocolate festival is coming up too for all those who are freaks about the stuff. -
Review from Brenda H.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2009 3 photos
Everyone has already said everything I could possibly think of saying about this place..
It's beautiful, it has free parking and free admission.. it's definitely a MUST SEE in any season!
This place will always be very special to me because I was married here last year. We paid $25 an hour to have the ceremony in the community room by the entrance and our photographer was able to take our wedding pictures in the Conservatory. We rented nice chairs and curtains to give the room more life but it all came together so much better than I had ever imagined it. The staff was very helpful and sweet. -
Review from David R.
5/12/2009 3 photos
Okay, check this off the list of Chicago things that I am embarrassed never to have done. My mother and grandmother loved the Conservatory, and I have to say that I also was impressed. It seems like a good place for a date, is easily accessible from the Green Line (or there is gratis parking) and--best of all--free!
The Palm House had some impressive specimens and gives a great first impression of the conservatory, but the best overall room was the Fern Room. That one looks impressively like something out of a steamier Jurassic Park. My personal favorite was the Desert Room, though. All the interesting shapes and colors of cacti and other plants were exotic and fun to examine.
The Show Room was being changed over while we were there, but there was plenty else to peruse. We spent about two hours there, and I would gladly go back, especially with another Conservatory virgin.Listed in: Mom and Grandma Approved
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Review from Erin B.
5/15/2009
I totally forgot to review this place! Whoops!
I came here in the middle of winter for a conference. What better place to hold a meeting, but in the middle of all the beautiful plants and flowers! Talk about curing your SAD blues! :-)
Food was catered in, but the facility in itself was a great meeting spot, as they were hooked up with technology (meaning wireless access, and movie screens for power point presentations).
I loved wandering around in all the different topiary, getting lost in the moment. The conservatory is rather large, and had a great time exploring!
Free parking, and free admission too! :-) -
Review from Abra B.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2008
GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO!!
It's the perfect place for a rainy day. This lovely, huge glass house has a million flowers and plants. I would like to go on a sunny, warm day to take advantage of the outdoor gardens as well. In fact I would like to go lots of times because, on top of it all, it is free!
