Edmonton Muttart Conservatory
Come and discover the pyramids of Edmonton at the landmark Muttart Conservatory. A rare and unique top-rated Edmonton attraction with thousands of lush botanicals to experience. Enjoy one of Canada’s largest indoor botanical garden collections that houses over 700 different plant species. Where taking photographs is always encouraged.
Located on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River are four iconic large glass pyramid-shaped greenhouses that are home to rare and exotic far-traveled botanicals. Each pyramid features a different biome with its own distinct environment. The Muttart provides a rare beautiful view from the higher ground, with the pyramids gleaming against the Edmonton skyline.
The Conservatory opened in 1976 and was made possible by a donation from the Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation and the Province of Alberta. It is staffed and operated by the Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department. The Muttart was built with a central core and the four glass pyramids constructed around it. It is a beautiful and striking site.
The first is the Arid Pyramid. Canada’s only region in an arid zone is Kamloops, British Columbia, and there is a semi-arid zone in southeastern Alberta. This pyramid greenhouse stands a towering 59 feet high and covers an area of 4,200 square feet. The arid zone gardens thrive in dry air, often with less than 25 cm of precipitation per year. These species are subjected to wide fluctuations in day-to-night temperatures, and to survive, these plants evolve into unique shapes and are slow-growing. Some of the plants exhibited are the snake plant, miniature date palm, Varigated smooth agave, Old lady cactus, Elephant foot tree, fishbone cactus, Feather bush, Prickly pear cactus, sisal hemp, felt bush and flowering kalanchoe. The greenhouse features an Agave Americana plant that grew to 30 feet, stretching to the top of the pyramid.
The Temperate pyramid stands a sky-high 79 feet high and 7100 square feet. The typical species are represented in the Great Lakes, the mountainous regions of Asia, and Australia. Eucalyptus trees grow in the Australian section. The bog area floats white water lilies and parrot’s feathers. A woodland area merges from the bog with redwoods, pampas grass, cedars, and mostly eastern deciduous trees and low shrubs. Some trees displayed here are actually able to reach their full maturity. This pyramid represents the one closest to Edmonton’s climate, and temperatures must be carefully controlled in order to simulate the changing seasons. Carefully maintaining the temperate environment allows plants to bloom to life in spring or summer with a fantastic burst of clours and go dormant in winter.
The Tropical pyramid shows an enormous variety of species, with banana and tall palm trees providing a canopy for weeping figs, orchids, birds of paradise, and even the corpse flower. The featured plants hail from the biome of tropical rainforest, sub-tropical, mangroves, Conciferous forest, moist and dry broadleaf forest, grasslands, and savannahs. Many species exhibited are vibrant and showy. This lush green pyramid houses a central cascading waterfall where small fish and water lilies make their home. The hibiscus hut, with its many varieties, provides a bouquet of tropical fragrance throughout the pyramid. An example of some different botanicals to behold is the Traveler’s palm, Air plants ( they grow in the air, not soil), Arabian coffee plant, Garden croton, Elephant ear taro, Tamarind, Staghorn fern, Calamondin-citrus, Queen sago palm, and the Japanese fibre banana.
The fourth pyramid houses new and different exhibits at least 5-7 times a year. Seasonal celebrations and unique themed displays are highlighted, such as Light Walk ( a nightly holiday magical light display in the Temperate pyramid). The Conservatory has installed two Impressive Living Walls that give lush tropical colour, rich texture, and an oxygen boost.
The Centre Core also allows guests a chance to enjoy a meal or grab a snack and beverage in the Culina Muattart Cafe. Many of the menu items are made from locally- sourced ingredients, the salad greens and herbs used are grown onsite. The Marigold gift shop features many unique items produced by local artisans. They also carry seasonal decor, jewelry, local treats, housewares, books, beauty products, and of course, unique plants. The Muttart is a highly popular spot to rent for special events, especially weddings.
The Muttart Conservatory Botanical Gardens displays over 700 species of plants in three climate-regulated biomes. Literally, thousands of plants inhabit the iconic glass pyramids drawing over one hundred thousand visitors into the lush gardens annually. Spend a day taking in the enchanting, exotic plant life that hails from Madagascar to Mexico and Australia to Alberta right in downtown Edmonton.
Check out the The Edmonton Zoo which is in Edmonton AB too.
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