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Renovation and Reconstruction of the USBG Conservatory On September 1, 1997, at 5 p.m. the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory officially closed for a period of about four years to undergo extensive renovation and reconstruction. Click here for a QuickTime time-lapse of the renovation.
The Conservatory staff carefully removed plants from the display halls. Many were moved to the U.S. Botanic Garden's production facility, where they will remain until replanting begins in the year 2000. Some of the plants not slated for display after renovation were given to educational and nonprofit institutions. Click here for find out what happened to all those plants.
In the months of October and November 1997, a construction fence was erected around the Conservatory to protect the building. The fence was decorated with two exhibits of botanical murals. The first, "Kids Paint the World of Plants," featured the work of children from the Washington, D.C., area. The second, "Kids View the World of Plants," consists of more than 215 pictures created by children from 41 states and the District of Columbia; it was installed in April 1999.
The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory reopened to the public on December 11, 2001.
The renovation and reconstruction of the 1933 Conservatory totally replaced and modernized its building systems while retaining its architectural character. Aside from a modest addition at the rear of the building, its exterior remains largely unchanged from its 1933 appearance. The Conservatory's aluminum framework, glazing, interior floors, doors, and lighting were replaced; all electrical, plumbing, and environmental control systems were upgraded; and air conditioning was added to the display halls and the Orangerie. The renovation has made the Conservatory totally accessible and provided improved visitor services, such as enlarged restroom facilities and an expanded gift shop. All interior areas feature newly designed plant and educational exhibits. The most readily visible element of the project is the reconstructed Palm House, the central structure that rises over 80 feet to crown the Conservatory.
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October 1998
Groundbreaking Ceremony
February 1999
Demolition, Excavation, and Cataloguing
September 1999
Transformation Underway as Renovation Progresses
May 2000
New Monitor Crowns Conservatory Palm House
May 2001
In the Home Stretch
December 2001
Conservatory Opens to the Public
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