Introduction:

The Herbert and Nicole Conservatory Complex consists of the Wertheim Conservatory Glasshouse, The Wertheim Case-Study Auditorium, the Biology Department Research Greenhouse, and the Bioclimatron. The Complex is situated on the University Park Campus of Florida International University, the State University of Florida at Miami. The Complex is under the direction of the Department of Biological Sciences and is curated by Mr. Steve Turner, M.S.

Purpose:

The Conservatory is a public display of rain forest plant species from around the world with the intent to display tropical species that can not be grown outside in the Miami climate. The Conservatory is currently used for public viewing, teaching, and for informal gatherings.

Size:

The Conservatory is 42 feet (13 m) high at the tallest point. The floor dimensions are 60' x 52' providing 3,120 square feet of in the ground planting space.

The Collection:

Currently the collection contains plants of 33 families, 127 genera, and 195 species from the tropics worldwide. The long-term goal is to include wild-collected specimens only in the collection. Plants have originated largely from donations. The primary donors include:

Fairchild Tropical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Tropical Treasures Nursery (Rick Matee)

Professor David W. Lee

Professor Suzanne Koptur

Professor Steven F. Oberbauer

History:

The Conservatory was the vision of Herbert and Nicole Wertheim who donated funds for the construction of the Conservatory and the Auditorium in 1990. State funds matched the donation. The construction started in 1991. The glass house was constructed by National Greenhouse Company, Atlanta, Georgia. The glasshouse was nearly complete in August 1992 when it was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. The crushed Conservatory was featured on the cover of the Chronicle of Higher Education in Fall 1992.

Conservatory August 23, 1992

Conservatory August 25, 1992

It was rebuilt in 1993 after which it was used for research space until a curator position was funded and an interior design contractor found. Planting and interior design was initated in fall 1996 by Bruce Morgan. The initial planting was completed in January 1997. Planting continues. The Conservatory was formally dedicated in April 1997 by Sir Gillian Prance of Kew Gardens.

Viewing Hours:

The Conservatory is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.

Admission is FREE