The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a treasured Victorian glass house built in stages between 1890 and 1895. At that time, the new exotic-looking conservatory replaced a small greenhouse that had been on this site in Lincoln Park since 1877. Architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee (1848- 1913) designed the glass structure which consisted of a palm, fernery, orchid and show houses. A nationally recognized architect known for Romantic style buildings Silsbee also designed the Carslson Cottage in Lincoln Park and bandstand in Garfield Park.
For over a century, the Lincoln Park Conservatory has been one of the most popular free attractions for plant enthusiasts in Chicago. The collections include the Palm House which features tropical plants such as the banana, sour sop, and cacoa as well as many palms. One of the oldest is the Scheelea Palm, which was acquired through a Field Museum expedition to Brazil in 1929. The Fern Room has cycads, one of the most ancient species of plants on earth, as well as a variety of ferns such as the madien hair, staghorn, and Austrailian tree fern. The Orchid Room has a large and beautiful collection of orchids and other epephitic plants such as Spanish moss and the pitcher plant. The Show House features four season floral displays annually.
For a great way to experience the conservatory, take a free tour with a docent. This interpretive program is offered by the Chicago Park Distrct in conjunction with the Lincoln Park Conservancy on weekends throughout the year. Meet a docent in the front vestibule on the hour and half-hour on Fridays (1-4 pm), Saturdays (9am - Noon; 1-4 pm), and Sundays (1-4 pm).
