History of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory & Myriad Gardens

THE BEGINNING

A scale model of a new downtown Oklahoma City, background, is explained by urban planning consultant I. M. Pei left.

1964

Renowned architect I.M. Pei is commissioned by city leaders, including oil and gas pioneer Dean A. McGee, to create a revitalization plan for downtown Oklahoma City. Pei includes in his plan a garden area modeled after the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark. On May 5, the name “Myriad Gardens” officially is adopted, named for the former Myriad, a 13,000-seat arena across the street from the Gardens. On August 11, the city council establishes the 19-member Myriad

This photo of the scale model shows the original plan which called for two Crystal Bridges.

1970

On May 5, the name “Myriad Gardens” officially is adopted, named for the former Myriad, a 13,000-seat arena across the street from the Gardens. On August 11, the city council establishes the 19-member Myriad Development Task Force with the goal of planning, programming and implementing the gardens.

Myriad Gardens Authority Chairman Dean McGee, left, and architect William Conklin discuss phase 1 of the downtown Oklahoma City renovation plan during a discussion of progress on the project.

1971

After a national competition, the task force chooses an architect: the New York firm of Conklin & Rossant.

Model of Myriad Gardens is unveiled by (left to right) Governor David Boren, Mayor Patience Latting and Dean A. McGee.

1975

On Sept. 16, the Myriad Gardens Authority, a public trust, is established to develop the 15-acre property. Dean A. McGee is appointed Trust Chairman.

James R. Tolbert III (pictured in 1979 at a City Council Meeting) has been active in the development of Myriad Botanical Gardens since its beginning.

1977

Work on the site officially begins November 17 with a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Dean A. McGee, chairman of the Myriad Gardens Authority, and Bill Nerin Chairman of the Oklahoma City Park Board, help inaugurate construction of the Myriad Gardens recreational center on November 1977.

1977-1981

The Garden’s infrastructure is built, including the base of the cylindrical plant conservatory, tunnel and other core facilities. Oklahoma City-based RGDC, a structural engineering firm, heads the project.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

1981

The Myriad Gardens Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is formed to raise private funds for the construction of the conservatory.

1983-1985

Construction of the conservatory begins in September 1983. The conservatory structure is completed. Interior planting begins.

1987

The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department takes over the operation and maintenance of the Gardens.

Oklahoma City’s botanical tube, located in the developing Myriad Gardens, looks like a giant ship under construction. July 15, 1983.

GRAND OPENING 1988

On March 25, 1988, the Crystal Bridge opens to the public. Pictured above is Mike Bush, Conservatory Director (left) visionary Dean A. McGee (center) and first director of Myriad Botanical Gardens, Jo Ann Pearce. By late August, the Crystal Bridge had attracted more than 200,000 visitors.

PRESENT DAY