I can’t say it enough: I love Phipps. I LOVE Phipps! I’ve been a member for years, and go at least once every other month, sometimes more. It’s beautiful on sunny days with the sun streaming through the glass, but it’s also an ideal spot in the winter or on rainy days. I suppose it’s not intended to be a playground, but there is plenty of space for kids to wander around, and my boys love it. There’s so much to see, not just in the conservatory, but also in the outdoor gardens (a great spot for a wedding!).
(Parents, be warned: the outdoor discovery garden is wonderful, but there’s a fountain that kids can go right into, so depending on your kid and your own tolerance for indulging, you might want to bring some extra clothes.)
I recently visited Phipps for the annual spring flower show. It did not disappoint.
The sunken garden featured (left to right) colorful tulips, deep pink hydrangeas, ageratum, and lilies.
These delphiniums stood at the far end of the sunken garden.
And nearby was another variety of delphinium. I loved the texture of the inside of these blooms. Fuzzy, yellow and black, they looked like part of a bumble bee.
I loved the sunlight streaming in on these tulips in the palm court.
Phipps also has a spacious cafe featuring locally-grown ingredients. We always pay a visit there as they have several choices for kids, and lucky for us, my husband, Matt, works nearby and can come and meet us for a bite.
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213