Longwood Gardens’ Glasshouse Takes Shape

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Longwood Gardens, one of the United States’ most beloved horticulture sites, is set to unveil a revitalized and awe-inspiring glasshouse this summer. The original version officially opened in 1921 and had served as a beloved part of Longwood Gardens’ attractions for nearly a century. However, as time progressed, so did the need to keep up with modern standards, and the decision was made to embark on a major renovation effort.

The transformation of the existing glasshouse began 3 years ago in 2017, and Longwood Gardens is now very close to completing the project’s goals. The newly renovated glasshouse will be the size of half a football field, its length stretching 375 feet. The stunning eye-catcher of the new space is a 40-foot-tall domed central gallery, featuring over 400 skylights to let in ample sunshine and fresh air. This dome is surrounded by a dozen glass wings, featuring plant species pulled from nearly all of the world’s climate zones. Visitors will enjoy a full sensory experience as many species have been hybridized and groomed to produce powerful scents as well.

The ambitions of the project go beyond providing a pleasant experience to visiting guests; the transformation seeks to create a conservation destination that educates and inspires. Longwood’s goal is to deliver a captivating oasis that invites leave-goers to dig deeper into climate and horticulture, while also encouraging sustainable practices that each of us can adopt at home.

The renovation is estimated to cost $90 million, and certainly has lofty plans. However, judging by the early renderings and videos, anticipation is high and the final product should be well worth the investment. The grand public opening is set for this coming July.

It’s clear that Longwood Garden’s new glasshouse has the potential to be a must-see destination for all sorts of visitors. For now, we must wait a couple more months for the completed product, but what we have seen so far looks incredibly promising!