Policies

1.    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.

2.    Photography Policy:

Phipps Conservatory encourages photography and the use of video cameras for personal use only. Please reserve a room for private/commercial photo sessions (includes wedding and engagement photography, family portraits, modeling shoots and images to be used for resale in any form). Certain day/time restrictions apply when renting a space. Please contact the events department at 412-622-6915, ext. 6401 to check availability. Members of the news media should contact the marketing department at 412-622-6915, 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.

Aerial photography: The City of Pittsburgh prohibits the operation of drones and other airborne objects within the vicinity of City parks and playgrounds, including the Phipps campus.

3.    Non-Discrimination Policy:

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where we strive to recognize and celebrate all identities.  We do not tolerate any type of harassment and/or discrimination based on race, sex, gender identity, cultural background, religion, dis/ability, origin, age, or sexuality, and any other category protected by law. 

We recognize the importance of intersectionality and the impact that makes on one’s experience at work as well as the unique knowledge and perspectives each individual brings to the organization. We acknowledge that identity is not one-dimensional, and we work to reflect that within all our offerings. 

4.    Privacy Policy:

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens deeply respects the privacy of its donors, members and other users. To protect this privacy and to ensure that Phipps continues to merit the respect and trust of our users, we have put the following Privacy Policy in place:

Collection and Use of Information

Phipps may request and collect personal information such as name, address, phone number and e-mail address when a user voluntarily provides it to us. This information comes to us in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, pledge cards, membership applications, letters and surveys, in writing, in person, by telephone or electronically.

Information collected is primarily used to communicate with users about Phipps. In addition, Phipps maintains a record of each user’s relationship and transaction history. This information is kept for IRS purposes and is also used by the Development and Accounting Departments to project giving and financial patterns.

Phipps collects credit card information only for the purpose of accepting transactions. Please note that this information is not maintained in the donor's giving record.

Phipps honors the confidentiality of its user records and does not make it a practice to sell or exchange mailing or e-mail addresses.

Phipps will use its best efforts to comply with the wishes of users who want their gifts to be recognized anonymously or those who wish not to receive our solicitations or be removed from our lists.

Security

User information is maintained in a database that requires employees to authenticate into the system by using a password. Only personnel that are directly involved in handling user information have access to the system. Phipps educates its personnel in the importance of protecting the privacy and security of the confidential personal information of our users.