Visit | Volunteer Park Conservatory

Docent Tours & Group Visits

We are not currently accepting docent tour requests while the Conservatory is closed.

Two weeks advanced noticed is appreciated. Please help us coordinate large group activity by letting us know when you plan to visit.

Group leaderGroup nameEmail address

Date of tour

Time of tour

Group size

Thank you! Your request has been received! We will contact you within 5 business days with confirmation.

Important note: the Docent Program is volunteer-run. We will do our best to assign a docent to your group, but cannot guarantee availability on your preferred date.

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Group Rates

Group of children (<13 in age) with chaperones:

Teachers and adults accompanying kids pay $4/adult
Kids age 12 and under are free
Daily pass stickers required for both adults and kids

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School group of teens (between 13-18) and/or college students:

Group up to 25 pay $25.
Additional $25 for 26-50 people. (i.e. $50 for 26-50people, $75 for 51-75 people) Group activities must be approved and scheduled two weeks in advance. Limits on group size may apply.
Daily Pass Stickers required for both teachers and students.

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Group of 15 or less adults with or without guided tour:

All adults in group pay $4 each.
Group leader can make a single payment in gift shop.
Daily Pass Stickers required for each person.
No additional fee for guided tour, but extra donations to FOC are welcome!

Tour Topics

Conservatory tropical and subtropical collections, including bromeliads, ferns, palms, cacti, orchids, and seasonal plants
How Seattle Parks horticulturists work behind-the-scenes, plant production and acquisition
How the Conservatory operates as a US Fish and Wildlife repository for confiscated plants
Conservatory architecture and artworks, the Homage in Green glass canopy, the 1912 lunette window, and the iron Tillandsia trees
Conservatory construction history, renovations, and future design plans
Community involvement and volunteerism, how the nonprofit Friends of the Conservatory and the Seattle Parks Department cooperate to support the Conservatory and host community events
The Palm House Gift Shop and Resource Center

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Visitor Guidelines →

Visitor Guidelines

Photography

Visitors are welcome to photograph plants and casually record their visit for non-professional purposes, using personal devices during regular hours. Tripod use is limited to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only. Do not block aisles. Freestanding, bulky equipment, props or wardrobe changes will not be allowed inside.

Photo Guidelines are strictly enforced.

Formal photo shoots are not allowed during regular visiting hours. Examples include promotional, wedding, portrait, or fashion photography. No exceptions. For photo or video shoots, visit Private Rentals →

Building Guidelines

Food and beverage are not allowed inside.
No pets. Service animals are welcome and must be controlled.
Amplified sound or unauthorized musical performance is not allowed.
Please be courteous of others when taking phone calls.
Members of groups engaged in activities must circulate or space themselves. Do not stand or sit in aisles or doorways. Allow those around you to pass freely.
Visitors with backpacks, or other belongings, please carry them with you. We do not have space to store bags.
For your safety, stay on the paths and do not sit or stand in display areas.
Restrooms are in the outdoor pavilion to the East of the building.

Public Day Use

Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm

Reservations for private use of the building during the hours listed above cannot be accommodated. Conservatory Management reserves the right to terminate unauthorized activity.

Groups: All groups of 10 or more planning to visit, including tours, must be scheduled two weeks in advance to ensure no conflicts with scheduled programming. Schedule Your Visit →

Special Users: School groups, artists, or hobby clubs requesting daytime access for drawing, studying, etc. where you will be stationed for a period of time are limited to Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during regular hours. Please contain your supplies as our floors are easily stained. Aerosols, fixatives or spray bottles are prohibited inside the building. Group activities must be scheduled in advance with at least two weeks notice to ensure no conflicts with scheduled programming. Schedule Your Visit →

Teachers and Freelance Instructors: If you would like to use the Conservatory as a teaching venue, please consider supporting the Conservatory by applying for sponsorship by the FOC Education Committee. Contact FOC →

After-Hours Rentals

Tuesday – Sunday, after 4 pm

Contact Seattle Parks and Recreation Scheduling:

Phone: 206-684-4080 x2

Email: picnics@seattle.gov

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The Conservatory offers limited after-hours private use of the facility for weddings and formal/professional photography only, January through October. You must obtain a permit through Seattle Parks and Recreation to secure your date.

Learn more about private rentals →

After-Hours Permit holders will be granted exceptions to the restrictions enforced during public hours.

Accessibility

Volunteer Park Conservatory is ADA compliant. There is one wheelchair on site; let the Greeter know that you would like to use it upon arrival, or call ahead to reserve.

Get in Touch →

Visit Us in Seattle's Capitol Hill Neighborhood

Address

Hours

Admission

Free Days

Docent Tours & Group Visits

Don't Miss the
Palm House Gift Shop

Considering getting married in the Conservatory?

Volunteer Park Conservatory

1400 East Galer Street

Seattle, Washington, USA 98112

Visit Us in Seattle's Capitol Hill Neighborhood

Address

Hours

Admission

Free Days

Docent Tours & Group Visits

Don't Miss the Palm House Gift Shop

Visitor Guidelines

Accessibility

Considering getting married in the Conservatory?

Volunteer Park Conservatory

1400 East Galer Street

Seattle, Washington, USA 98112

Get event updates!

Don't Miss the
Palm House Gift Shop