First Floor Layout

With new flooring materials and pathway layouts, the renovated first floor of the Conservatory features a reworked waterfall, a reflecting pool, and redesigned plant groupings to aid in the interpretation and understanding of the critical role of plants in the world.

Two Floor Cascading Waterfall

A newly designed, two-level waterfall feature greets visitors as they entered the Conservatory with sounds of water cascading over natural stone. Tropical water plants have been planted in the waterfall and in a small pool at the base. A new staircase was built on the west side of the waterfall with a small lookout for visitors to enjoy the views as they walked up to the second level.

Cloud Portal Sculpture

In contrast to the curving lines of the Conservatory, a striking vertical sculpture was installed in the center of the main pathway to serve as a portal that divided the north and south ends of the space. Walking under it, visitors experienced beautifully framed views of the new waterfall at the south end and a reflecting pool at the north end.

Root Wall and Reflecting Pool

The Root Wall on the north end of the Conservatory serves both form and function. In vascular plants, roots are the organs that supply water and nutrients for plant growth. While we don’t always see them, roots anchor plants to the ground. Here, the artistic depiction of roots served an aesthetic purpose as well, covering the concrete anchoring wall near the staircase leading to the second level. At the base of the Root Wall is a reflecting pool that showcased exotic water lilies. This peaceful area offers a place for visitors to pause and relax.

The Mango Classroom

The former north end lobby was repurposed into a classroom space that has adapted to a variety of educational programs and classes.

Oculus Gallery

Visitors could take a rest and enjoy views of the north end of Myriad Botanical Gardens from this second-floor gallery-like space featuring improved lighting and seating, rotating exhibits, and ambient nature sounds. The view of the Myriad Botanical Gardens offered glimpses of the seasons.

Second Floor North Terrace

At the north end of the Conservatory, a new terrace on the second floor allows visitors dramatic views towards the waterfall and first-floor plantings. This terrace provides space for visitors to sit and relax, as well as for educational programs, exhibits, receptions, and private events. Below the terrace is a reflecting pool on the first level and an art panel depicting the intricacies of a root structure.

Second Floor South Bromeliad Terrace

Bromeliads are fascinating plants that have adapted to survive and thrive with a diversity of other plants, insects, and animal species. This overlook area was surrounded by a variety of bromeliad species and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the views while learning about plants. This terrace is on the south end of the Conservatory, adjacent to the waterfall.

Discovery Room

Children have the opportunity to learn about the connection between plants and the many animals and insects that support the rainforest ecosystem with a stop in the second-floor, interactive Discovery Room located on the second floor, south end. 

Sensory Skywalk Third Level

Visitors get to experience a symphony of sounds, tastes, and smells on new extended platforms along the third-level Skywalk. Each area overlooks the Conservatory and offers an educational interactive display focusing on the senses.

The Myriad Gardens Gift Shop

Visitors entering or leaving the Conservatory pass a the gift shop. The shop offers merchandise curated to reflect the Gardens’ mission of horticultural education and conservation. The shop was designed by Charles Sparks, a noted retail designer whose award-winning work could be found in museum shops around the country. The merchandise is grouped in ways to reinforce narratives about conservation, wellness, climate, seasons, and gardening.

Additional Elevator, North End

A new elevator improved the accessibility of the Conservatory for all visitors.