Lincoln Park Conservatory

11/16/06

It's spring--and blissfully quiet--365 days a year in this old-world, glass-enclosed biosphere.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
In this contemplative and quiet spot, your mind and feet are free to meander down curving paths past hundreds of towering plant species, from Indonesian banana trees to Mexican ficus, and reflective pools fed by trickling fountains.

The Details
Greenery covers practically every inch of the moist three-acre house, including the central palm room (the largest of the rooms) and several sections in back: the fernery, the show house and the orchid room. Most plants in the fernery are more than 100 years old, while the show house is dedicated to seasonal blooms. Across the street are Grandma's gardens, along Stockton Avenue between Webster Avenue and Fullerton.

History
The conservatory was built in 1893 and still has some of its original plants. At eye level, look for large valves attached to chains that reach to gears in the roof. These are still the primary method of opening ceiling vents.