Crystal Bridge Conservatory Reopens at Myriad Botanical Gardens

Photo by Paul Clark.

The Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory at the Myriad Botanical Gardens is opening back up to the public with a grand reopening celebration Nov. 18-20 including musical entertainment and educational activities throughout the weekend. The nearly $11 million renovation began in April 2021 with the 224-foot-long facility completely gutted to allow it to be reimagined from top to bottom.

A view of the north end of the Conservatory. Photo by Doug Hoke.

The Conservatory remodel includes a new layout for the first floor, Cloud Portal sculpture on the main pathway, two-level waterfall feature, multipurpose classroom and new elevator for improved access.

“What the renovation signifies is that both significant public and private investment in the full renovation of the Crystal Bridge demonstrates its value as an architectural icon in downtown and especially as a unique cultural treasure where all ages can discover and learn about a fascinating array of plants from exotic locations around the world,” said Maureen Heffernan, president and CEO of the Myriad Gardens Foundation and Scissortail Park Foundation.

“I hope visitors find the space uplifting, beautiful, inviting and one that sparks a fascination and appreciation for plants. I hope people will visit often to discover its daily unfolding botanical treasures and take time to smell the roses – or in this case – the Ylang Ylang tree! We especially look forward to welcoming back school groups on educational tours to see pineapples, mangos, bananas, cinnamon and much more growing right here in Oklahoma City,” Heffernan said.

Heffernan also shared that the new features will make the visitor experience an enhanced aesthetic, educational and accessible one.

Root Wall and reflection pool with Dale Chihuly art in the center.

At the north end of the Conservatory’s first floor, visitors will find the Root Wall and a reflecting pool. The Root Wall depicts the beauty of plants hidden below ground on the anchoring wall that leads to the second floor. The reflecting pool at the base of the Root Wall allows visitors a moment to pause and take in the exotic water lilies. During the grand reopening weekend through the end of 2022, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art has partnered with the Myriad Gardens on a display of glass works by Dale Chihuly in the center of the reflecting pool for visitors to admire.

The second-floor renovation brings a new terrace to the north end that will be used for visitors to relax, education programs, exhibits, receptions and private events. At the south end terrace, visitors can learn more about the bromeliad plants in the Conservatory as they enjoy views of the first floor. The interactive Discovery Room is also on the south end of the second floor and offers children hands-on activities as they learn about the plants, animals and insects in the rainforest ecosystem.  

An interactive display on the third floor Skywalk.

Visitors will be able to get an even greater view of the Conservatory from the third-level Skywalk and experience sounds, tastes and smells on the new extended platforms.

Before leaving, the new gift shop designed by Charles Sparks, a noted retail designer, will offer visitors the opportunity to purchase merchandise that reflects the Gardens’ mission of horticultural education and conservation.

This is the first time since it opened in 1988 that the Conservatory has received significant changes. Funding for the project was provided by Inasmuch Foundation, Devon Energy Corp., Chickasaw Nation, City of Oklahoma City, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Jean and David McLaughlin, Robert Glen Rapp Foundation, Rick Cooper and Donald Karchmer, and Kirkpatrick Family Fund.

The Cloud Portal sculpture with a view of the new two-story waterfall.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank all the private individuals and public officials involved in securing the 15-acre downtown site to create Myriad Botanical Gardens and all those who worked under challenging economic conditions in the mid-1980s to construct the Crystal Bridge and then maintained it over the last 35 years. Their work is the foundation we have built on to update the Conservatory for the next generation of visitors to enjoy,” Heffernan added.

Visitors can experience the new features and learn about the new plants at the Conservatory Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. beginning Nov. 18. The Conservatory will also have extended holiday hours throughout November and December. For more information on their hours, admission prices and the grand reopening festivities, visit the Myriad Gardens website.