The conservatory's distinctive glass dome was patterned after London's Crystal Palace.
It maintains a permanent collection of over 100 species of ferns, some dating back decades.
The facility manages the 'Orchid House,' which cycles hundreds of blooming orchids year-round.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Sunken Garden undergoes five major seasonal flower shows annually, requiring total replanting for each cycle.
The conservatory utilizes a complex passive ventilation system, relying on rising heat to push air through roof vents.
The Palm Dome features trees that have been part of the collection since the early 20th century.
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a historic Victorian-style glass-domed botanical garden located within Como Regional Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. Opened in 1915, it features a collection of permanent tropical, fern, and orchid rooms alongside changing seasonal floral displays. The structure is composed of over 3,000 panes of glass supported by a massive steel frame designed by Frederick Nussbaumer. The facility serves as a living museum, housing endangered plant species and rare tropical specimens. The sunken garden is a central feature, frequently re-landscaped to reflect the current season. It is integrated with the larger Como Park Zoo, though it operates as a distinct botanical entity. The conservatory is recognized for its architectural significance in early 20th-century landscape design. Educational programs are held regularly within the various specialized climate zones.
The elevated view from the balcony in the North Garden looking down into the Sunken Garden.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid peak weekend crowds and wedding parties.
Dress in layers, as the humidity and temperature transition significantly between the desert garden and the tropical palm dome.
Check the online schedule for the exact dates of the rotating seasonal flower exhibits before arriving.
Do not attempt to walk through the entire Como Park Zoo and the Conservatory in a single visit without allowing extra time, as the site is larger than it appears on maps.
Open daily year-round, though specific garden sections may occasionally close for event set-up or private functions.
Refrain from touching plants or stepping into garden beds; photography is permitted but professional commercial shoots require prior permits.
