Crystal Bridge Conservatory

Visitors will experience the centerpiece attraction of the Myriad botanical Gardens in a new way now that the inasmuch Foundation Crystal bridge Conservatory is open after extensive renovations for more than a year.

As go they go through the beautifully redesigned and accessible space, visitors will enjoy new features like a reflecting pool, new plant collections, overlook terraces and a new waterfall feature. Visitors will also find it easier to learn about the tropical plants in the conservatory – the space will include interpretative signage and exhibits and educational programming.

The new Myriad Gift Shop offers merchandise that reflects the Gardens’ mission of horticultural education and conservation. This tropical conservatory opened in 1988 and has always been a popular destination for the Gardens. Now visitors will get to rediscover its beauty.

As the centerpiece of the Gardens, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory’s unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. The Conservatory includes 13,000 square feet of plant display area in two distinct climates: the Tropical Wet Zone and the Tropical Dry Zone at the north end.

“The improvements planned for the Bridge will ensure that it is as world-class as the outdoor spaces in the Gardens,” said Maureen Heffernan, CEO of Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park Foundations. “This more dynamic conservatory renovation takes full advantage of the major downtown development just south of the Gardens, including Scissortail Park, the Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel. With new educational features planned for the conservatory, learning experiences will be enriched for all ages and contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of the Gardens.”

Funding for the project has been provided by Inasmuch Foundation, Devon Energy Corp., Chickasaw Nation, City of Oklahoma City, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Jean and David McLaughlin, Robert Glen Rapp Foundation, Rick Cooper and Donald Karchmer and Kirkpatrick Family Fund.