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The Muttart_Conservatories in the North Saskatchewan river valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Muttart Conservatory

Four glass pyramids housing global plant biomes in Edmonton

Photo: WinterE229 WinterforceMedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Muttart Conservatory is a botanical garden in Edmonton, Alberta, known for its four distinctive glass pyramids. Each pyramid recreates a different climate, tropical, temperate, arid, and seasonal, with plants from around the world, alongside gardens, a café, and event spaces.

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  • Four glass pyramids represent tropical, temperate, arid, and seasonal biomes
  • Designed by architect Peter Hemingway and opened in 1976
  • Hosts a café using herbs grown on-site in the greenhouses
  • Popular venue for weddings and special events
  • Located in Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River valley

What is Muttart Conservatory?

This conservatory features four striking glass pyramids rising from Edmonton’s river valley. Three showcase permanent plant collections from tropical, temperate, and arid zones; the fourth hosts rotating seasonal displays. A smaller skylight pyramid brightens the central foyer. Visitors also find outdoor gardens, a café, and a gift shop on-site.

The history of Muttart Conservatory

Built in 1976, the conservatory was made possible through support from the Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation, with additional backing from provincial and municipal governments. Architect Peter Hemingway designed its iconic pyramid layout. It has been run by Edmonton’s Parks and Recreation Department since opening.

What there is to see

Each pyramid maintains precise environmental conditions to support its biome. The tropical house holds palms, orchids, and hibiscus under high humidity. The temperate zone includes woodlands, bogs, and alpine plants that follow seasonal cycles. The arid pyramid features cacti and succulents from dry regions worldwide. Displays in the feature pyramid shift multiple times a year.

Various types of trees and shrubs of tropics
Various types of trees and shrubs of tropics. Photo: Bhasker Garudadri|garudadri.org, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Muttart_Conservatories in the North Saskatchewan river valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The Muttart_Conservatories in the North Saskatchewan river valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.. Photo: WinterE229 WinterforceMedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Muttart_Conservatories in the North Saskatchewan river valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The Muttart_Conservatories in the North Saskatchewan river valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.. Photo: WinterE229 WinterforceMedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Detail of the Muttart Conservatory, in the river valley of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Detail of the Muttart Conservatory, in the river valley of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.. Photo: WinterforceMedia WinterE229, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When to go

Open year-round, the conservatory welcomes visitors for leisure, education, and events like weddings. Its on-site café uses herbs and greens grown in the greenhouses. Seasonal shows in the feature pyramid mark holidays and floral themes, drawing locals and tourists alike throughout the year.

Why Muttart Conservatory matters

Recognized as one of Edmonton’s most famous landmarks, the conservatory blends architecture and botany. It underwent a major $6.3 million renovation completed in 2009. Beyond display, it supports public engagement with plant diversity and sustainable practices through its café and programming.

Questions people ask about Muttart Conservatory

Where is the Muttart Conservatory located?

It is in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, situated in the North Saskatchewan River valley across from downtown.

What can visitors see inside the pyramids?

Three pyramids display plants from tropical, temperate, and arid climates worldwide; the fourth changes with seasonal themed flower displays.

Who operates the conservatory?

The City of Edmonton runs it through its Parks and Recreation Department.

Is there food available on-site?

Yes, the Culina Muttart Café serves dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including greens and herbs grown in the conservatory.

Can people hold events there?

Yes, the conservatory is a popular location for weddings and other special gatherings.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Muttart Conservatory", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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