The conservatory is modeled after the Palm House at Kew Gardens in London.
It contains a collection of nearly 3,000 unique species of plants.
The central dome's steel framing was designed by Albert Kahn, a prominent industrial architect who also designed many of Detroit's early automotive factories.
The facility was renamed in 1955 to honor Anna Scripps Whitcomb, who donated her extensive orchid collection to the conservatory.
The conservatory survived a significant renovation effort completed in the early 2010s to restore the original glass and structural steel.
The 'Show House' section hosts seasonal floral displays that change throughout the year, such as the lily show in spring and poinsettia displays in winter.
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is a historic glass-domed greenhouse located on Belle Isle in the Detroit River. It is one of the oldest conservatories in the United States that has operated continuously since its opening in 1904. Designed by architect Albert Kahn, the structure features a large central dome rising 85 feet in the air. The facility houses a diverse botanical collection, including a significant orchid collection, a palm house, and a cactus house. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a vital climate-controlled space for exotic tropical plants amidst the seasonal Great Lakes climate. The interior layout is divided into five distinct sections, each maintaining specific environmental conditions for different plant families. It is owned and maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as part of Belle Isle Park.
The center of the Palm House, standing beneath the iconic central glass dome looking upward.
Wear layers as the temperature inside the glass house is significantly warmer and more humid than the outdoor ambient air.
Bring a camera with a macro lens, as the conservatory is a premier location for close-up botanical photography.
Check the official Michigan state park website for the current floral display schedule before your visit.
Do not attempt to park on the grass or shoulder of the island roads, as ticketing is strictly enforced.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain quiet voices, do not touch or remove plant specimens, and stay on marked pathways to protect the soil and garden beds.
