Guidelines and Accessibility
The information below has been provided to ensure that your time at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is as enjoyable as it is unforgettable. We look forward to your visit!
Accessibility
Our gardens are wheelchair accessible with the exception of the Stove Room, located in our west wing. Manual wheelchairs are available at admissions free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. At this time we do not have strollers, wagons or electric wheelchairs for rent.
Comfort
Phipps can be very warm during the summer months and some rooms may be cool during the winter. We encourage you to dress in layers and make use of the lockers in the Welcome Center, if needed.
Garden Etiquette
Help keep our plants happy and healthy: Please do not pick flowers or enter plant beds.
Outside Food
Please do not bring food into the Conservatory.
Sensory Inclusivity
Phipps is a KultureCity® Certified venue committed to sensory inclusivity. Phipps staff have been trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads, are available to guests at the Phipps admissions desk.
Smoking
Smoking and vaping inside or outside of any Phipps property (including but not limited to the Conservatory, Garden Center, Center for Sustainable Landscapes and environs, and any space within 25 feet of any Phipps building entrance and/or outdoor air intake) is strictly prohibited.
Safety Notes
Walkways at Phipps are made of concrete or stone; some may be uneven and slippery when wet so we also recommend comfortable, slip-resistant shoes for your safety. High heels and open-toed shoes are not recommended. Backpacks and other large bags, purses and suitcases are prohibited at all times; lockers are available in our Welcome Center for guest use.
Getting Around
For a preview of your room-by-room Phipps experience, download a full-sized map of our campus or access our Online Tour.
Hotel Accommodations
For out-of-town guests, Phipps recommends a stay at our local partner:
Hilton Garden Inn
3454 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15213
412-683-2040
Book a Room
Tour Duration
An average self-guided tour takes approximately 90 minutes but visitors can easily spend an entire day enjoying the beauty and serenity of both our indoor and outdoor gardens. Please plan to arrive in plenty of time to complete your exploration before close.
Peak and Quiet Times
Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the least crowded days at Phipps. The Conservatory is usually the quietest between 3 and 5 p.m. daily.
Photography
Phipps Conservatory encourages photography and the use of video cameras for personal use only. For wedding and portrait photography, defined as, but not limited to senior, engagement, family, graduation photos, etc., please contact the Phipps events team. Commercial photography and videography is define as, but not limited to: catalog, fashion, advertisement, promotion, etc., requires approval and may be subject to fees. For media inquiries, please contact 412-622-6914, ext. 3801.
Tripod use: Tripods are permitted for use on Sunday mornings from 9:30 – 11 a.m. with the exception of Easter Sunday and all Sundays during our Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show. All other tripod use is prohibited.
Weapon Policy
Guests at Phipps, whether visiting Phipps’ exhibitions or attending a private event at Phipps’ facilities, are not permitted to have guns or any other weapons in their possession. If it is determined that a guest has a weapon in his or her possession, the guest will be directed to leave the facility.
Pets
We do not allow pets into the Conservatory unless the pet is a service animal.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for your use at Café Phipps.
Write a TripAdvisor Review
After your visit, please write a review on TripAdvisor and share your Phipps experience with us!
Questions? Contact us at guestservice@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-622-6914.
Photo © Paul g. Wiegman
