Volunteer Park Conservatory

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a Victorian-style glass greenhouse at 1400 East Galer Street in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington. Built in 1912 and modelled on London's Crystal Palace and similar glasshouses, it remains one of the oldest surviving conservatories in the Pacific Northwest. Inside, visitors walk through five connected rooms, each with a different climate: the Palm House, the Fern House, the Bromeliad House, the Cactus House and the Seasonal Display House. The collection includes tropical palms, orchids, bromeliads, ferns, cacti and succulents, and a hanging basket display and seasonal flower show change through the year. A visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is a relaxed stop, suited to rainy days when Seattle's weather limits outdoor activities. Admission costs about $4 (USD) for adults, making it one of the least expensive attractions in the city. The conservatory is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. It is best visited on a weekday or at opening time, when it is quiet, while weekend afternoons draw more visitors. The surrounding Volunteer Park offers lawns, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the Black Sun sculpture and a water tower with a viewing platform and views of the Space Needle and Puget Sound. Visitors often combine the conservatory with a walk through the park. The park is reached by King County Metro Route 10 to 15th Avenue East. Photographers favour the glass-framed palm house and the colourful orchid displays. Humidity inside is high, so lighter clothing and a camera with a dry lens cloth are useful. Photography is permitted throughout.