The Garden Study Center is an extraordinary example of WPA architecture. Originally known as the old Potting Shed, this beautifully restored structure is one of the original brick buildings in City Park designed by the late architect, Richard Koch. Near the lily pond and the Conservatory, this unique brick structure is reminiscent of an old English cottage, with exquisite details including a slate roof, copper gutters and windows flanked by classic wooden shutters complementing its quiet charm.
Ideal for small gatherings, meetings and seminars.
A unique indoor-meets-outdoor event space, Lath House offers the best of both worlds: a gorgeous covered structure with open lath walls and scored concrete floors. A bronze-toned translucent roof protects guests from the elements but bathes the room in rich light, and open, slatted walls offer a fragrant cross breeze from the garden.
Capacity: 125 when combined with the Garden Study Center
The serene, neatly manicured greenway surrounding the Botanical Garden lily pond offers a brilliant stage for cocktail receptions. The holds a variety of tropical and hardy water lilies and other aquatics from late March until fall. In the keyhole of the pond is “Undine,” a sculpture by Rose Marie Huth. The pond is flanked by four formal rose beds holding several varieties of modern roses.
With approximately 1,000 square feet of space, the Conservatory features a spectacular 40-foot high, glass dome roof and mimics the architectural style of the Pavilion of the Two Sisters at the opposite end of the garden. The central room, which faces the garden’s scenic lily pond on one side, is accented with tropical plants and flanked by the glass-roofed Living Fossils and Tropical Rainforest exhibits. The Conservatory is an ideal backdrop for wedding photos and can be outfitted for small ceremonies and receptions.
Capacity: 40 seated
The North West Lawn, featuring the iconic Alférez Oak, is a beautiful venue-adjacent space that can be packaged with the Garden Study Center, Lath House or Conservatory.
Capacity: 125 seating in this ceremony-only location
As you stroll the brick walkway from the Pavilion of the Two Sisters to the Garden Study Center and you’ll discover this quaint setting surrounded by colorful rose bushes on the way. Highlights of the Rose Garden include the Shriever Fountain featuring “The Water Bearer” by sculpture Enrique Alferez–a picturesque setting for wedding photos and/or ceremonies.
Capacity: 40 seated
