Volunteer Park Conservatory

Seattle's historic greenhouse in Volunteer Park.

Share Volunteer Park Conservatory
and support Friends of the Conservatory

Your contributions help us connect people with horticulture at the Volunteer Park Conservatory, enhance the visitor experience, preserve the historic structures, and sustain the plant collections for future generations.

What can you do?

Upcoming Activities

  • Enjoy free Conservatory admission all day from 10 am to 4 pm. This occurs on the first Thursday of every month!

  • 10 am - 4 pm

    Enjoy free admission to the Conservatory all day from 10 am to 4 pm. This occurs every month on the first Saturday.

    11 am - 12ish pm
    Friends of the Conservatory hosts free family-friendly activities on the 1st Saturday monthly from 11 am - 12 pm (they often run later than noon). Activities will rotate and include things like coloring, origami, live music, and more!

  • Save the date on your calendar - Friends of the Conservatory will host our annual May Plant Sale (fundraiser). We moved our sale away from Mother’s Day Weekend in 2024.

    Both days 10 am to 3ish pm. Early access for FOC members on Saturday from 9 am to 10 am.

    FOC members enjoy early access and a discount, so sign up today!

    Watch for more details and the call for volunteers.

  • FOC is offering gardener-guided tours the 3rd Tuesday of each month through October from 11 am to noon. Tickets available through Eventbrite. FOC members enjoy special pricing on tickets!

Programming: Education + Cultural Arts Events

A glimpse into the lower greenhouse. Photo credit: Paige Smith.

Expanding understanding of our natural world through science and horticulture education and offering experiential cultural arts events is at the heart of everything we do. Enjoy our guided tours and information on our rare plant collection, unique workshops, and music-dance-visual arts events that connect community in our “living botany museum.” Check out our offerings and find a variety of enriching and inclusive events and activities that celebrate science, arts & culture, history, architecture, music, and more.

Advocating for Preservation

For more than 40 years, the Friends of the Conservatory has led the effort to preserve the Volunteer Park Conservatory raising more than $3million for restorations and improvements. We partner with Seattle Parks & Recreation in maintaining our Conservatory, welcoming community into our spaces, and engaging in public advocacy campaigns to improve this living landmark. Learn more about our Historic Preservation in the Get Involved section.

A Community of Volunteers

A volunteer rings up plants at the May plant sale while supported by an FOC Board Member

FOC Volunteer Keith (seated) and FOC Board Member John at the May Plant Sale. Photo credit: Christopher Miller.

The Conservatory needs people like you! Every year, community members donate over 3,500 hours to the Friends of the Conservatory. Share your ‘super powers,’ meet folks, and learn new skills while you contribute to education, arts programming, and conservation. There are many opportunities available - event support, social media, Plant Sales, Gift Shop sales, outreach, graphic art and lots more. We’re growing everyday with your active participation at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!