The Story
Henry Phipps, Andrew Carnegie's business partner in the steel industry, gifted the conservatory to the city of Pittsburgh in 1893. The original Victorian glasshouse in Schenley Park has been a botanical and horticultural treasure for over 130 years, housing thousands of plant species from around the world.
In recent decades, Phipps has transformed itself into one of the world's most advanced green buildings. The Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which achieved Living Building Challenge certification, is one of the greenest buildings on Earth. Phipps uses its own facilities as a teaching tool for environmental sustainability.
The conservatory's seasonal flower shows, particularly the Winter and Spring editions, draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and have become beloved Pittsburgh traditions.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
Phipps is another gift from Pittsburgh's industrial titans to the public. Like the Carnegie Museums, it represents the idea that wealth generated from industry should be returned to the community in the form of beauty and education.
The conservatory's evolution into a global leader in green building demonstrates Pittsburgh's ability to reinvent itself, from steel capital to sustainability pioneer, while honoring its history.