Crystal Bridge Conservatory Renovation - Myriad Botanical Gardens

The Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory Renovation Project

For the first time in its 30-plus year history, the Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Myriad Botanical Gardens underwent a complete renovation of its interior spaces from 2021 to reopening fall 2022. Among the many upgrades designed to enhance visitor experience were new path layouts, educational exhibits, improved ADA accessibility and a new gift shop.

Additional features of the $11 million project include improvements to the Conservatory’s interior aging infrastructure, a more diverse plant collection with both permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as new and enhanced water elements, circulation paths, and sitting areas. A second level terrace feature will overlook the conservatory and add much-needed educational programming and venue space. Improved accessibility, including an elevator, will enable people for all ages and physical abilities to fully enjoy the space.

Funding for the renovation project has been provided by Inasmuch Foundation, Devon Energy Corp., Chickasaw Nation, City of Oklahoma City, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Jean and David McLaughlin, Robert Glen Rapp Foundation, Rick Cooper and Donald Karchmer and Kirkpatrick Family Fund.

As the centerpiece of the Gardens, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory’s unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. The Conservatory includes 13,000 square feet of plant display area in two distinct climates: the Tropical Wet Zone and the Tropical Dry Zone at the north end.

“The improvements planned for the Bridge will ensure that it is as world-class as the outdoor spaces in the Gardens,” said Maureen Heffernan, CEO of Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park Foundations. “This more dynamic conservatory renovation takes full advantage of the major downtown development just south of the Gardens, including Scissortail Park, the Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel. With new educational features planned for the conservatory, learning experiences will be enriched for all ages and contribute to the long term financial sustainability of the Gardens.”

Funding for the project has been provided by Inasmuch Foundation, Devon Energy Corp., Chickasaw Nation, City of Oklahoma City, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Jean and David McLaughlin, Robert Glen Rapp Foundation, Rick Cooper and Donald Karchmer and Kirkpatrick Family Fund.

Read The Oklahoman article by Steve Lackmeyer here.

Partners

ADG Blatt Architects, Oklahoma City, OK

Located in downtown Oklahoma City, ADG has provided architectural, engineering, interior design, planning and program management services to owners, building users and communities throughout Oklahoma and in other parts of the United States since 1975. Among its many clients is the City of Oklahoma City and the City of Norman where ADG serves as program consultant for a host of community improvement projects. In 2018, the company was part of the team that redesigned the Visitor Center of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory and classroom spaces for John Rex Middle School at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Charles Sparks + Company, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

As founder of Charles Sparks + Company, Charles Sparks has more than 38 years of experience in designing for some of the most recognized names in retail and cultural institutions. He has designed for a diverse range of businesses and believes both that good design is good business and that trend is not our destiny.

Exhibit Concepts, Dayton, OH

Founded in 1978, the Exhibit Concepts team is experts in the design, production, and management of experiential environments, including award-winning museum spaces, immersive educational experiences, engaging trade show displays, world-class corporate interiors, and more.

Gecko Group, West Chester, PA

Gecko Group is an education interpretive design firm based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Their award-winning work in the heritage, tourism, museum, aquarium and zoo fields, helps destinations create user-friendly, authentic and meaningful visitor experiences. With more than 20 years of experience, Gecko Group specializes in branding, wayfinding and interpretive communication and is designing exhibits and the interpretive and educational signage in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.

Murase Associates, Seattle, WA

A second-generation landscape artist, Scott Murase learned the craft of place-making while collaborating alongside his father, Robert Murase, an internationally acclaimed landscape architect. His multi-disciplinary background in architecture, landscape architecture and sculpture combine to inspire his approach to site design. Using combinations of stone, water, wood and metal, Murase’s work is featured at the Devon Energy headquarters in downtown Oklahoma City, and in the Meinders Terrace at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Lingo Construction, Oklahoma City, OK

Lingo Construction was started by Stan and Renee Lingo in 1998. Through their determination and resourcefulness, Lingo has grown into a company of over ninety employees. Today, their team includes project managers, designers, engineers, superintendents, carpenters, ironworkers, laborers, and office administration staff.

The History of the Crystal Bridge

Got 10 minutes? Watch the history of the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Conservatory as told by those who lived it!