Please note: The Conservatory is closed until May 23, 2026 as we expand the Garden during our THRIVE campaign.
The Conservatory is the “Jewel of the Garden.” This complex houses exotic and unusual plants from around the world in its permanent collection and features beautiful seasonal displays. Crowned by a 63-foot-tall dome, the Conservatory includes a central Dome House housing flanked by four wings representing four unique climate zones: Desert, Mediterranean, Tropical and Subtropical. The Exhibition Gallery serves to showcase rotating exhibits and is a popular location for events.
The Conservatory was originally built through the generous donations of Nancy and Bruce Gottwald; Libby and Floyd Gottwald; and the Gottwald Foundation. This phase of the Conservatory was finished in 2003 and dedicated to the memory of their mother, Anne Cobb Gottwald. In 2026, the Conservatory nearly doubled in size through the generosity of members of the community after a two year construction period.
ATRIUM
The West Entrance Atrium is a fully conditioned threshold space, welcoming visitors to the expanded portion of the Conservatory. An organic gathering place for large groups, the Atrium contains guest comfort amenities such as seating and restrooms. A flexible nexus from which guests can “choose their own adventure,” the Atrium is the gateway to exploration of the Subtropical House, Tropical Rainforest House, Butterfly Emergence Galley and Exhibition Gallery.
MEDITERRANEAN HOUSE
The Jeannette Lipman Mediterranean House invites you to take a pause during your exploration of the four climate zones to bask in the singular beauty of the Mediterranean. Sketch the geraniums and bougainvillea, gaze up at the olive and ficus trees, or simply take a few deep breaths before you continue on your journey.
DESERT HOUSE
The transformation of the former West Wing of the Conservatory into a Desert House showcases plants from deserts located around the world. Designed by Catalina LaFrance, the Desert House will provide a climate zone diametric to central Virginia. The modularity of cacti, succulents and agave will create visual impact and a living classroom for educational opportunities that include water conservation and climate change.
SUBTROPICAL HOUSE
The Subtropical house is home to a permanent butterfly exhibit open throughout the year.
Inside the Subtropical House of the Conservatory is an indoor exhibit for all ages. Hundreds of butterflies feed, flutter and take flight all around you. Explore their origins, preferred habitats and lifecycles.
Follow the link below to learn more about our permanent Butterfly exhibit.
TROPICAL RAINFOREST HOUSE
An endangered ecosystem, Tropical Rainforests are often called the “lungs of the planet” and are essential to the lives of all people and animals. The two-story Rainforest House brings together a wide variety of tropical ecosystem species such as cacao trees, coffee plants, orchids and palms. Visitors can gaze down upon the forest floor from the canopy, creating an immersive view of this “water-maker” ecosystem.