Chicago is home to five historic conservatories, and one of the most beloved sits right in DePaul’s backyard: the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Its original landscape, designed by Swedish cousins Swain Nelson and Olaf Benson, the same designers who helped shape Lake Shore Drive. From 1890 to 1895, the modest greenhouse on the grounds was transformed into a much larger and more ornate structure by architects Joseph Lyman Silsbee and M.E. Bell. Their goal was, in their words, to create a luxuriant tropical growth, blending the whole into a natural grouping of Nature’s loveliest forms.
Conservatories in the 19th century were not just decorations. Many were originally attached to hospitals, serving as repositories for medicinal plants that aided research and healing. With advancements in iron and glass technology, conservatories began spreading across the United States and Europe. Collecting and classifying plants became increasingly popular, as their medicinal properties provided remedies that were often more accessible than a doctor’s visit.
For more than a century, the Lincoln Park Conservatory has been one of Chicago’s most treasured free attractions. Inside, the space is divided into four distinct houses. The Palm House showcases a variety of tropical plants, including a Scheelea Palm acquired during a 1929
Field Museum expedition in Brazil.
The Fern Room highlights some of the oldest plant species on earth, while the Orchid House dazzles visitors with colorful and exotic orchids. Finally, the Show House rotates four seasonal floral displays each year, ensuring that no two visits are ever quite the same.
The conservatory isn’t alone, it’s surrounded by an array of cultural and historical attractions that extend the experience. Visitors can stroll through the formal garden and lily ponds, admire the Bates Fountain, or take a look at monuments like the von Schiller statue and the Shakespeare monument. Nearby, the English-style Grandmother’s Garden provides another stop, and a short walk west brings you straight into the Lincoln Park Zoo, making the conservatory an anchor for a full day in the park.
On a September afternoon, I decided to walk to the conservatory: a 25-minute trip from campus. (The CTA cuts the journey down to about 19 minutes.) While reservations are required, admission is always free. The greenhouse can get crowded, but it’s worth weaving through the flow of visitors. I spent about half an hour exploring, though plant enthusiasts could easily be there twice as long. Each house is beautifully curated, complete with statues and water features that enhance the atmosphere. I’d recommend every student carve out time for a visit. It’s not only a chance to reconnect with nature but also an opportunity to step into a living piece of Lincoln Park’s history.
Image Credits:
Lincoln Park Conservatory, lincolnparkconservatory.com
William Shakespeare – by William Ordway Partridge, lincolnparkconservancy.com
Hello my name is Simone Graczyk and I am originally from Denver Colorado. I am currently a music performance major with a minor in history. I love playing the flute, reading, and traveling!
Makes me want to visit!! Can’t wait for the next Deep Dish!