Our Origin

Starting in 1980 when Friends of the Conservatory saved the Conservatory from the brink of demolition, FOC and community have raised millions of dollars for essential capital improvements, advocated for expanded city support, and enriched the onsite experience through public education programs and arts and culture activations. This movement began with concerned neighbors and community members who came together to save and then advance the Conservatory. For over four decades, Friends of the Conservatory has been a dedicated champion of the Volunteer Park Conservatory.

Our Purpose

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a unique space that for over a 100 years has combined science, heritage, and cultural arts. It is a combination of a living plant museum, arts programming, horticulture & botany, cultural heritage, and experiences for all ages. Friends of the Conservatory exists to steward and advocate for the Conservatory, offer creative programming, connect community, and open access for all visitors.

Our Vision

Friends of the Conservatory envisions a world where people have a deep connection to nature that inspires and sustains their lives.

Our Mission

Friends of the Conservatory inspires meaningful connections between people and nature through immersive plant experiences, cultural arts programming, and educational opportunities for all ages. We strive to preserve the historic structures of the Conservatory and sustain the plant collections for future generations.

Our Values

The Transformative Power of Nature: We believe in the transformative power of nature, offering healing, restoration, and growth for all.

Inclusive Community: We foster a sense of belonging through active community engagement and ensuring everyone has equitable access to our Conservatory.

Adaptability and Resilience: We embrace adaptability and resilience to navigate challenges and ensure excellence in Conservatory practices.

Preservation and Conservation: We prioritize the preservation and conservation of our living collection and historic structures, stewarding their heritage for future generations.

Holistic Sustainability: We promote sustainability in all aspects, considering people, the environment, resources, and equitable distribution of power and opportunities.

Our Approach

Friends of the Conservatory centers:

●       An open-access facility that provides a welcoming space for all our visitors with accessibility features for movement, language, sight, hearing, touch, and sensory needs;

●       Cultural programming rich in visual arts, music, dance, and expression;

●       Educational offerings that are experiential & hybrid, multi-generational, and low-cost;

●       Research and knowledge-sharing about historic preservation technology, horticulture advances, and indoor plant care.