The structure was built using 3,000 panes of glass supported by a cast-iron frame.
The conservatory was named after William W. Seymour, a former mayor of Tacoma who donated the funds for its construction.
It originally opened in 1908 as the 'Seymour Conservatory' after a local grassroots campaign.
The conservatory holds a specialized collection of rare and endangered orchids.
The building underwent a significant restoration in the mid-1990s to preserve its original Victorian architectural integrity.
It is one of only three public Victorian-style glass conservatories remaining on the West Coast.
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is a historic Victorian-style greenhouse located in Tacoma’s Wright Park. Constructed in 1908, the structure features a distinctive twelve-sided central rotunda topped with a glass dome. It houses a collection of over 250 species of exotic plants, including orchids, ferns, and tropical palms. The facility serves as a living museum, rotating seasonal plant displays throughout the year. The building is listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. It is maintained by Metro Parks Tacoma and remains a primary horticultural site in the Pacific Northwest.
From the exterior pathway looking toward the glass rotunda during the golden hour to capture the reflection of the sun on the glass panes.
Bring a camera with a macro lens to capture the fine details of the orchid collection.
Check the official website before visiting for information on rotating seasonal exhibits.
Walk the surrounding Wright Park trails to see the extensive collection of specimen trees planted in the late 19th century.
Do not assume the entire park is indoors; dress in layers as the greenhouse is significantly warmer and more humid than the outside air.
Closed on Mondays and most major holidays.
Do not touch or remove any plant material; keep voices low to maintain a quiet environment.
