5 of the Most Beautiful Conservatories from Around the World

Our homes are intimate spaces that we can personalise and retreat to at the end of a tiring day. However, humans also need to be outdoors to feel healthy and happy. As such, enjoying the sun and fresh air on a patio, terrace, or under a pergola can often evoke feelings of relaxation and joy as well.

There are many options to get more light and nature close to your home. Conservatories are a classic, elegant, and charming way of protecting your house plants and creating a space where you can socialise with friends and family. In this post, we explore some of the most beautiful conservatories from around the world.

What Is a Conservatory?

A conservatory is an annexe to a house that has mostly glass walls and ceilings. They first appeared in Victorian England when wealthy homeowners wanted to keep citrus trees and other exotic plants alive all year round.

The difference between a conservatory and a greenhouse lies in its purpose. Conservatories were places for social gatherings and became popular worldwide after appearing more and more in the Western world.

Brisbane Tropical Display Dome, Brisbane, Australia

The Brisbane Tropical Display Dome is part of the Botanic Gardens administered by the City Council. The dome opened in 1977 and shelters exotic plants organised in themed sections. The sections include a bamboo grove, Japanese gardens, waterfalls and a fragrant garden.

Kew Gardens Conservatories, London, UK

If you love tropical greenhouses, the Kew Gardens are a must-see destination at least once in a lifetime. These impressive Victorian conservatories and palm houses will take your breath away.

Some structures date back to as early as 1761 when the Royal House hired architects and engineers to build these fabulous greenhouses. Make sure to visit the Orangery, now a restaurant, the Alpine House, or the impressive Palm House for memories of a lifetime.

Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco, USA

The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in Golden Gate Park. The municipality ordered the construction of this massive greenhouse completed in 1879. It was a landmark project for the United States at the time and is well-preserved even today. It has an 18-meter-high central dome that features intricate ornaments and hosts exotic plants.

Muttart Conservatory, Edmonton, Canada

A must-see place of wonder when travelling to Edmonton, the Muttart Conservatory will delight your eyes and soul. The architecture of the ensemble consists of four glass pyramids surrounding a large service core.

When visiting the conservatories, you can learn about more than 700 species of plants in three climate-controlled biomes. One of the pyramids even shows how the seasons change.

Conservatory Windows and More

If you want to add a conservatory to your home, it’s essential that you choose suitable windows. Valley Windows is a leading supplier and manufacturer of custom windows in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide selection of custom timber and aluminium windows for every architectural style and need. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your window needs!