Conservatory of Flowers

The Conservatory of Flowers has captivated guests for more than a century. This gem of Victorian architecture has a long and storied history, and is the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America. As a city, state, and national historic landmark, the Conservatory remains one of the most beloved attractions in Golden Gate Park. During the early to mid 20th century the Conservatory of Flowers was challenged by: accidents, economics and maintenance issues. After World War II and several boiler explosions that deemed the building structually unsound, the Conservatory finally reopened to the public. From 1964-1981 much of the work at the Conservatory was spent upgrading and maintaining this elegant wooden structure. In early 1998, the Conservatory of Flowers was placed on the 100 most Endangered World Monuments list by the World Monuments Fund. The National Trust for Historic Preservation adopted the Conservatory into its Save America's Treasures program, launched as part of First Lady Hillary Clinton's Millennium Council projects. Publicity from these efforts eventually led to a fundraising campaign to raise the $25 million dollars for the rehabilitation, restoration, and stabilization of the Conservatory. The Conservatory is one of the most photographed landmarks in San Francisco and remains a favorite attraction for visitors and locals alike. Since re-opening in September 2003, the Conservatory of Flowers has garnered numerous local, state and national awards.