The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and one of only a few large Victorian greenhouses in the United States. William Hammond Hall, planner of Golden Gate Park, included the idea of a conservancy in his original concept for the design of the park. (...)
The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and one of only a few large Victorian greenhouses in the United States. William Hammond Hall, planner of Golden Gate Park, included the idea of a conservancy in his original concept for the design of the park. The structure was partially destroyed by fire in 1883 and rebuilt the following year. The Conservancy underwent partial structural restoration in 1965, 1978, and 1982, yet these efforts only selectively renovated elements that were in very poor condition. In December 1995, a severe windstorm shattered over 40 percent of the glass-tiled skylights of the Conservatory. While the conservancy was fortunate to survive, its aging wood frame was badly weakened by the storm and several of its supports splintered. Approximately 15 percent of the tropical plant collection housed inside was lost and the building was closed to the general public.
