The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a greenhouse at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in the Bronx, New York, United States.[1] The conservatory was designed by Lord & Burnham Co. in the Italian Renaissance style. Its major design features are inspired by the Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and Joseph Paxton's Crystal Palace.[2]
Groundbreaking took place on January 3, 1899, and construction was completed in 1902 at a cost of $177,000.[2] The building was constructed by John R. Sheehan under contract for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.[3] Since the original construction, major renovations took place in 1935, 1950, 1978, and 1993.[2] By the 1970s, the building was in a state of extreme disrepair and had to be either substantially rebuilt or torn down. Enid Annenberg Haupt saved the conservatory from demolition with a $5 million contribution for renovation and a $5 million endowment for maintenance of the building. A subsequent renovation, which started in 1978, restored the conservatory closer to its original design, which had been compromised during the 1935 and 1950 renovations.[4] Due to her contributions, the Conservatory was named the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory in 1978.[5]
The 1993 renovation replaced the inner workings of the conservatory. At this time, the mechanical systems to control temperature, humidity, and ventilation were upgraded to computerized systems. The exhibits were also redesigned.[6] The conservatory serves as a focal point of the park and a center for education. It is a New York City designated landmark.