Conservatory in the city

03/10/16 22:28 Filed in: Urban

Funny that I live in Denver, but seem to write mostly about my shots from Chicago. I need to fix that—Denver is one hell of a place. But until then, this is another Chicago post, about a gem just outside of the city: The Lincoln Park Conservatory. Here's a bit from the Chicago Park District:

During the early nineteenth century developments in iron and glass building technology led to the construction of conservatories in cities throughout Europe and the United States.

Later in the century, as people were increasingly concerned about the ill effects of industrialization, they became fascinated with nature and interested in collecting and classifying plants. Large conservatories with display and exhibit rooms gained popularity, and Lincoln Park's small greenhouse no longer seemed sufficient. Architects Silsbee and Bell were commissioned to design a much more substantial building.Rendered in an exotic style, the new structure included palm, fernery, orchid, and show houses. A "paradise under glass," the Conservatory supported "a luxuriant tropical growth, blending the whole into a natural grouping of Nature’s loveliest forms."

I spent a gray and rainy day wandering through this delightful oasis. And I took some pictures.

A white flower