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    Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    4.7 (604 reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

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    Melissa S.

    Wowowowow. This is the largest and most beautiful botanical garden I've been too. I love the rooftop garden too! The Alice in wonderland theme was stunning! The cafe and gift shop are pretty amazing too. I can't even explain how magical this place is. Don't forget to walk around the outdoor gardens. Those are free to walk into. The park across the street would be a perfect picnic spot!

    Jessica A.

    We came for the Adios Agave party and were thrilled to get the last two free cacti! The place was crowded and hot. The line to see the agave inside was so long that we skipped it, but we did enjoy seeing the rest of the Alice in Wonderland displays and we finally found the final white rabbit!

    Kimberli R.

    Beautiful place with all of the plants one can imagine. There was an Alice and Wonderland theme. There were so many interesting plants and colorful flowers. There was an outdoor vegetable garden. The structure itself is amazing. There is a gift shop and a cafe. I hope to get back at some point.

    Tammi W.

    Came to see the Alice in Wonderland and it did not disappoint. Such beauty!! There are some beautiful Chihuly pieces here as well which was an added bonus!

    Melanie S.

    I went to Phipps for their annual orchid exhibition and I absolutely loved it. The greenhouses are well curated and well cared for, with wide walking paths, beautiful plants, and a collection of Chihuly glass that is scattered about in surprising places. It's beautiful and relaxing. I went through the whole interior part twice during my visit. I particularly enjoyed the fern room. Because I went in February and it was single digit temperatures, I did not venture into the outdoor portions other than a quick peek for a picture, but they looked well maintained and expansive. Do note that they do not offer reciprocal admission if you are a member of another botanical garden. Honestly, I'd go back to Pittsburg just to visit this garden.

    Bethel B.

    This was a beautiful conservatory and botanical garden. The perfect location if you want to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the gardens and get away from the city noise for a bit. There are so many rooms to see with different themes throughout. It's recommended the stay on one side and take left turns to make sure nothing is missed. Could easy take 1 or two hours observing all the beautiful foliage. Make sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out and maybe pick up one of many succulents or flowers to commemorate the visit!

    Photo 1: Montage of images from Phipps Conservatory and Bucolic Gardens
    Ed U.

    From the vantage point of a neophyte Pittsburgh visitor, this conservatory is what I call a three-fer. Spending the afternoon in the Oakland area, I explored a trio of genuinely worthwhile attractions right off the Carnegie Mellon University campus. This was my third stop after breezing through a lot of fine art and prehistoric dioramas at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. I took a quick stroll to Schenley Park where the massive glass greenhouse stands. It's set up as a bucolic labyrinth which required a specific path to follow to explore 14 separate rooms which hold a wide variety of plant species from dense tropical forests to desert oases. The greenery and flora extend outside the greenhouse including a rustic Japanese garden which provided a nice meditative break. There's a surprising number of Chihuly blown glass sculptures throughout starting with the ceiling of the Welcome Center (Photo 9). I was here during the holidays, so the Christmas decorations tended to camouflage its natural beauty. They also made the conservatory family-friendly with dedicated play areas. Admission was $17.95, a bit on the high side but still quite worthwhile. RELATED - Exploring Pittsburgh? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/QKLtuBlwjs

    Bonsai
    Stephanie W.

    My husband bought us a Phipps Conservatory membership for Valentine's Day. I think I found my new happy place. This over a century old Victorian green house is a full sensory experience. Fragrant flowers, colorful plants, sunlight filtered by large trees, old growth vegetation and moss mixes with annual blooms, soft music and water features, warm moist air, cobblestone paths, delicate fern fronds and "please don't touch" cactuses. This is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and give space for yourself in an ever attention demanding culture. I recommend going early as there is free but limited parking. You buy tickets at Phipps or on their website. Displays change through out the season and there is an outside winter light show in December. If you haven't been here in a while, the atmosphere is very relaxed. Get yourself an adult beverage or coffee at the Phipps cafe and enjoy a stroll with nature or an evening serenade with the coqui frog.

    Toby M.

    Wonderful time. Beautiful. Lots of interesting spots for the little ones. Alice in Wonderland exhibits just opened (May 2026) and that was special...find all the White Rabbits ; ) Outside garden is small but nice.

    Bekah H.

    First time visiting in July and not going to lie... it was hot at 3:15 pm ( we were early ). I recommend entering at true reserved time for less congestion . I also heard many people saying how warm they felt. However , one must remember that the environment is just right for the plants inside the dome . We walked around for a while before we realized that we needed a drink of some sort. An ice cold drink made the experiences even more enjoyable. We had an ice cold troeg beer at $12 for two. The workers were helpful and kind. By the time 4 pm rolled by, it was a peaceful stroll through each exhibit. The theme was Alice in Wonderland and what was completed was done well. Some parts seemed that perhaps they ran out of time, people, or space to complete fully such as the chess board In front of the queen of hearts. I would visit again because where else can I visit the jungle without actually flying there?

    Flowers!
    Andrew S.

    Absolutely stunning building and beautiful flower exhibit. My daughter is a student at CMU and she said they change all the flowers monthly/quarterly which is insane given how beautiful and expansive the exhibits are! A must see when you're near CMU. Allow for 2-3 hours to take it all in.

    Courtney P.

    On a beautiful sunny afternoon, my dad, my husband, and I decided to explore Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. First and foremost, the parking situation is absolutely atrocious! We drove around for probably about 15 minutes, just looking for a spot before we finally managed to find one about half a mile away. I think with it being located so close to two university campuses, parking is never good here. The terrible parking situation aside, this place is absolutely beautiful! The variety of plants and various vegetation in beautiful arrangements was definitely something to behold. We had such a wonderful time, exploring the exhibits and even had fun looking for the hidden toucans in the various rooms. Such a pleasant afternoon and definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Pittsburgh.

    Tulip garden!
    Ellie K.

    So beautiful. It was a joy to walk through the connecting rooms. My favorite was the bonsai garden. The event I was at got completely rained out through the ceilings.

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    Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    Approximately how long does it take to tour Phipps?

    Depend on how many pics you take perhaps, but an hour and a half is plenty. And if you only have an hour, that is doable, too.

    Can you bring a packed lunch?

    We do. In good weather we eat at the tables out front, or in the back through the Conservatory.

    When is it free?

    I believe they already had free admission this year. Other days may happen but I know RADical days is the big one.

    Do you recommend buying timed tickets? What happens if I don't?

    For Winter show several years now and for COVID times we are in, you must get a timed ticket via mobile app so that as little contact as possible is done. You can get the ticket on the spot or way in advance. You don't have to be exactly on time.… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    The exhibits are always nice; My dad and I would always go to the spring flower show, sadly not this year...

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

    Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

    4.1
    (63 reviews)
    11.8 mi

    One of our local favorites! From the gardens to the cafe and the special events throughout the…read moreyear. Staff is always friendly at the door when you walk in and at the cafe. I sometimes go to the cafe to work - although not really set up for this (make sure your computer is charged). I love browsing the gift shop. There is always something there to gift or that I want (but don't need) for myself. I usually end up leaving with a new book for my daughter. Great spot for some holiday shopping for your nature loving friends and family or a gift exchange. Good in the cafe is usually fresh and tastes great. I've enjoyed their salads, kids menu options and baked goods. The gardens are a wonderful place to plan a picnic or just walk around and take in all the hard work that goes into maintaining the grounds. They have a few areas geared towards kids and a lovely pond to sit and relax by. We especially love to admire the local art exhibits that routinely change.

    How have I never reviewed this fine establishment located just outside of Pittsburgh? It's actually…read morein Oakdale, PA about 15 miles from downtown Pittsburgh and worth the drive. I have attended a couple of events here (wedding, birthday) as well as regular visits. With over 65 acres, it was first established in 1988 and has certainly grown in leaps and bounds. It's a wonderfully peaceful and lovely garden that boasts walking paths, light shows (spectacular winter holiday displays), various exhibits, and more. So many plants and flowers to look at and smell. Everything you would expect a botanic garden to be. The last time I went home to Pittsburgh for a visit we took our dog with us and that was amazing. He loved it and I love that he was permitted to visit without issue at all. Everyone who works there is there for a reason, the love of nature and ensuring longevity.

    Photos
    Vivid Echo
    Vivid Echo
    Big field for kids to play in
    Big field for kids to play in
    The forest is light up with candles and they have cool stained glass windows

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    The forest is light up with candles and they have cool stained glass windows
    The Botanical Emporium Florist & Greenhouse

    The Botanical Emporium Florist & Greenhouse

    4.0
    (21 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    This place is great. Stopped for flowers at a nearby store and was told " we have a funeral and…read morecan't sell you anything". Stopped at the Botanical Emporium and received outstanding service with a huge selection of flowers. This place has everything flower related and a small greenhouse that was in operation in November. Super friendly people.

    Seriously by FAR the absolute best experience I've had with a florist. TWICE. Once for my sister's…read morewedding in 2013 and second for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary in 2019. We love Elizabeth's flowers! SO many compliments at both events. We're still thinking about her gorgeous flowers in 2021. Elizabeth is super creative and has strong opinions about flowers! She thinks outside the box, and her vision may differ from yours. For events, I recommend asking Elizabeth to make you a test arrangement. I did that and the test arrangements weren't exactly what I was expecting, so I explained my concerns and she adjusted the flowers both times - for the wedding and the anniversary party. Revised test arrangements were perfect. Prices are absolutely unbeatable... Her flowers are gorgeous, huge, fresh and last SO long. I seriously don't know how she defies the laws of biology... The flowers are already mostly open for the event, but they open even more in the days afterward and they LAST and LAST. I could go on and on about how beautiful these flowers are... and I am PICKY. I can't wait until the next time our family hires Elizabeth again. The flowers are the stuff of dreams. *Swoon*

    Photos
    Greenhouse
    Greenhouse
    The Botanical Emporium Florist & Greenhouse
    Thank you for the beautiful flowers for my girls graduation!

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    Thank you for the beautiful flowers for my girls graduation!
    Mattress Factory Art Museum

    Mattress Factory Art Museum

    3.9
    (252 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    I have definitely learned that contemporary/modern art is just not my thing. That being said, that…read moredoesn't mean that Mattress Factory isn't worth a visit. The museum does not have its own parking lot, so you will need to find street parking. However, there seemed to be plenty of options in the area. They exhibits are spread out over various floors and areas. They have a suggested path, but you can really explore at your own pace and interest. The "famous" work is the polka dot room which is really intriguing and visually appealing. My daughter like to say "art is all about how the artist sells it and what you make of it" and this is the perfect place to put that mentality into effect. There were some pieces that I was just baffled about being "art" and there were others that while I personally didn't enjoy them, I could appreciate the time and talent that went in to creating them. If you are looking for a unique museum experience, this is definitely the place for you.

    The Mattress Factory excels at site-specific imersive installation art, and their permanent…read morecollection has some origami art by some of the biggest names in installation art. The museum also hosts private events, a few of which I've attended, and they were outstanding. The staff are very welcoming. The museum gives back to the local community in a big way.

    Photos
    Looks like a screen, but it's not. It's a square opening
    Looks like a screen, but it's not. It's a square opening
    Yayoi Kusama
    Yayoi Kusama
    Mattress Factory Art Museum

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    Chapon's Greenhouse & Supply

    Chapon's Greenhouse & Supply

    3.8
    (27 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    Love Chapons!!! This greenhouse and supply store is open year round and in my opinion, has the best…read morebird seed selection and prices in Pittsburgh. The bird food is clearly marked for the different birds you are looking to feed. The staff has always been friendly and knowledgeable. Even offering to carry the 50lb bird seed to my car. So far, the birds seem to be pretty happy with the menu!

    This is a really excellent local greenhouse store that you should know and patronize if you live in…read morethe area. I feel so much better supporting a store like this than a big box store whenever possible. They have an enormous selection of pretty much anything you could need. I have bought many of the trees and bushes in my yard here. They have usually been successful, but on the rare occasion one hasn't, they have stood by their warranty and offered a replacement. I had two dogwood trees fare poorly before coming to the conclusion that my location or soil simply wasn't right for that tree and replacing it with a weeping cherry from here, which is absolutely thriving. I also have a Koi pond and get all of my fish supplies here, including very nice water lilies every spring after I do a deep clean of my pond. They have all of the flowers, vegetables and herbs, mulches, soils and gardening tools you might be looking for. I sometimes find prices here to be just a dollar or two more expensive than some other places, but I don't mind when I'm supporting such a nice local store. Always staff available to help, which you just don't get at other places.

    Photos
    Pumpkins are in!
    Pumpkins are in!
    Spider plant goals
    Spider plant goals
    Chapon's Greenhouses sign

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    Chapon's Greenhouses sign

    Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - gardens - Updated August 2026

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