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Our mission: The Park District of Oak Park's historic Conservatory inspires through the beauty of nature, imparts horticultual knowledge and provides a model for the stewardship of plants which are fundamental to life on earth.

Owned and operated by the Park District of Oak Park, the Conservatory is undeniably a community and regional asset.

• Carries the distinction as one of the top three historical sites in Oak Park drawing up to 30,000 visitors annually
  
  
• Grows an astounding 20,000 bedding plants from seeds and cuttings annually that are planted at 90 public parks and sites throughout the village
  
  
• Attracts many volunteers who help with everything from propagating plants to putting on special events
  
  
• Offers a full range of educational programs for all age groups, from summer nature camps for children to home gardening topics such as garden design, flower arranging and houseplant care
  
  
• Named to the National Register of Historic Places in March 2005
  

The Conservatory has an active support group, the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization whose mission is to promote interest in the Oak Park Conservatory, offer educational and recreational opportunities and support projects that benefit the Oak Park Conservatory. This group adds significantly to the Conservatory through its support and services.

• Manages an extensive volunteer docent program providing guided tours for visitors, student programs, and weekend plant interpretations
  
  
• Sponsors a broad range of annual events including seasonal flower show openings, plant sales and exchanges, a garden walk and field trips to other sites of botanical interest
  
  
• Provides financial support for education and related programs
  The Park District of Oak Park and FOPCON are working together to ensure that the Conservatory will continue to flourish, enhancing the quality of life for area residents and visitors.

For information about FOPCON please visit www.fopcon.org.

Conservatory Address:

615 Garfield Street
Oak Park, IL 60304

Hours: Monday 2pm to 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday 10am to 4pm

Admission: Free – Donation Accepted. Suggested donation $2.00 per person

History

The Conservatory began as a community effort in 1914 to provide a place to house exotic plants that residents collected during their travels abroad. The present Edwardian-style glass structure, built in 1929, houses a botanical collection of more than 3,000 plants, some of which date back to the Conservatory's founding.

Over the years the building fell into neglect. In 1970, when plans were made to raze it, a group of concerned citizens led a successful drive to preserve, and eventually enhance, this unique resource. In June of 2000 the Conservatory Center was opened to provide expanded space and facilities for educational programming, day-to-day operations and public events.