Photos

The Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh is an immense glass hothouse with tropical gardens and flower exhibits from the world over in numerous rooms. Recently, Phipps featured an exhibit with the work of Dale Chihuly, the famous artist perhaps best known for his colorful and imaginative glass sculpture. Here is one of Chihuly's glass "baskets" that has been left on permanent display in among the tropical plants of the Phipps.

Regarding Phipps, Wikipedia says: "The gardens were founded in 1893 by steel and real-estate magnate Henry Phipps as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh. Its purpose is to educate and entertain the people of Pittsburgh with formal gardens (Roman, English, etc.) and various species of exotic plants (palm trees, succulents, bonsai, orchids, etc.). Currently the facilities house elaborate gardens within the thirteen room conservatory itself and on the adjoining grounds. In addition to lovely flora, the sophisticated glass and metalwork of the Lord & Burnham conservatory offers a wonderful example of Victorian greenhouse architecture."