Commissioned as a gift to his city in 1893 by the Steel Baron Henry Phipps, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, it is one of the oldest and largest Victorian “glass houses” in the country. Silver glass domes enclose 13 garden rooms filled with thousands of exotic plants and flowers. The 2.5 acres around Phipps continue the experience, filled with lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and sparkling fountains.
What to expect:
A variety of permanent and seasonal exhibits at the Phipps Conservatory make many repeat visits worthwhile. Highlights include the Palm Court with its garden rail display, plus the Orchid Room, Desert Room, Children’s Discovery Garden, outdoor lily ponds and rose garden, and one of the main bonsai collections in the country. Don’t miss the annual seasonal flower shows and the butterfly forest. Most of the indoor rooms and outdoor gardens at Phipps are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Buy at Phipps
The Welcome Center at the front of the Phipps houses, The Shop at Phipps, a great gift shop filled with a variety of unique gifts for anyone who loves plants and flowers. Here you will find gardening books, bath products, educational toys and games, garden tools and jewelry. They even have a good variety of houseplants, including orchids and bonsai.
Dining at Phipps
Across from the gift shop, Cafe Phipps is a nice place for a bite to eat. Family menu items include fresh, local and organic ingredients. Shopping and dining do not require admission to the Phipps Conservatory.
Hours
The Phipps Conservatory is open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and until 10:00 pm on Fridays. Café Phipps and The Shop at Phipps are open during all Conservatory hours. Some seasonal events include special extended hours.
Admission fees
Admission to Phipps is $ 15.00 for adults, $ 14.00 for seniors (62 years and over) and students (with ID) and $ 11.00 for children (2-18 years). Phipps members and children under the age of two enjoy regular free admission.
Travel directions
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden is located in the heart of Oakland on Schenley Drive in Schenley Park. It is at the top of a hill and is easy to spot.
From the north (via Interstate 79):
take I-279 S to Pittsburgh. As you approach downtown, take I-579 S (Exit 8A) toward Veterans Bridge, following the signs for Monroeville and I-376 E. Take the I376 E exit toward Oakland / Monroeville and continue until you reach Forbes Ave ./Oakland exit (exit 2A). Take the Forbes Avenue ramp and follow Forbes Avenue for approximately 0.7 miles. Turn right on Schenley Drive and then left at the stop sign. Phipps is on the right after entering Schenley Park.
From the East (via PA Turnpike or Parkway East):
Take I-376 W (PA Turnpike Exit 57) to Oakland Exit (Exit 3B), right to traffic light. Turn right on Boulevard de los Aliados. Go through two traffic lights and cross the Anderson Bridge. Turn right at the second exit onto Schenley Park. This will take you under the Anderson Bridge and over the Panther Hollow Bridge. At the fork in the road, turn left into Schenley Park. Phipps is on the left.
From the south (via Interstate 79):
Take I-279 N toward Pittsburgh to the Fort Pitt Tunnel. Coming from the west, follow Route 60 to Routes 22/30 E to I-279 N. As you approach the city, take the right lane that goes through the tunnel and, after exiting the tunnel, turn right hand-to-hand, following signs for Monroeville and I-376 E. Exit at Forbes Ave./Oakland (Exit 2A) and follow Forbes Avenue for approximately 0.7 miles. Turn right on Schenley Drive and then left at the stop sign. Follow Schenley Drive to Schenley Park.
Phipps is on the right.
* Alternatively, take PA-51 / Saw Mill Run Blvd north, then take the ramp to I-579 (Downtown / South Side). Turn right on West Liberty Avenue and proceed through the Liberty Tunnels. After going through the tunnels, take the Blvd de los Aliados ramp to the I-376 E exit, then follow the directions above.
From the west (via routes 60 and 22/30 E):
follow Route 60 to Routes 22/30 E to I-279 N then follow signs from the south (above).
Parking lot
Parking is available for free on the central island in front of the Phipps Conservatory. You will need to give someone at the admissions desk your license number when you arrive. There are also metered parking spaces located in front of the Conservatory.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-6914
(412) 622-6914
