On September 1, 1997, at 5 p.m. the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory officially closed for a period of about three years to undergo extensive renovation and reconstruction. Educational programs previously announced in the 1997 Calendar of Events, including the fall and winter flower shows, have been canceled. Off-site programs will be announced at this Web site as information becomes available.
The Conservatory staff carefully removed plants from the display halls. Many were moved to the U.S. Botanic Garden's production facility, where they will remain until replanting begins in the year 2000. Some of the plants not slated for display after renovation were given to educational and nonprofit institutions. More detailed information is available for those who would like to know what happened to all those plants.
In the months of October and November 1997, a construction fence was erected around the Conservatory to protect the building. The fence has been decorated with two exhibits of botanical murals. The first, "Kids Paint the World of Plants," featured the work of children from the Washington, D.C., area. The second, "Kids View the World of Plants," consists of more than 215 pictures created by children from 41 states and the District of Columbia; it was installed in April 1999.
An overview of the Garden's history and function and photographs of the Conservatory (90k .jpg) and the former Palm House interior (83k .jpg) are available.
The renovation and reconstruction of the 1933 Conservatory will totally replace and modernize its building systems while retaining its architectural character. Aside from a modest addition at the rear of the building, its exterior will be largely unchanged from its 1933 appearance. The Conservatory's aluminum framework, glazing, interior floors, doors, and lighting will be replaced; all electrical, plumbing, and environmental control systems will be upgraded; and air conditioning will be added to the display halls and the Orangerie. The renovation will make the Conservatory totally accessible and provide improved visitor services, such as enlarged restroom facilities and an expanded gift shop. All interior areas will feature newly designed plant and educational exhibits. The most readily visible element of the project will be the reconstructed Palm House, the central structure that will rise over 80 feet to crown the Conservatory.
Fact sheets about the Conservatory Renovation and the National Garden project are available upon request from the U.S. Botanic Garden, (202) 225-8333.
Visitors to the Botanic Garden will continue to be welcomed in the USBG's Bartholdi Park, named for the sculptor of its historic fountain. The park features a series of thematic demonstration gardens suitable for the urban or suburban home site. Changing seasonal display beds feature outstanding annuals and perennials. The dramatic focal point of the park is Bartholdi Fountain, which was originally created for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, moved to the Capitol Grounds in 1877, and erected in its present site in 1932. Tours of the park are available upon request.
Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Curator
This page revised September 13, 1999
URL: http://www.aoc.gov/currproj/bg020398.htm