This Detroit conservatory is home to thousands of species of plants. After 2 years closed, it's back open
The Anne Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle was closed for more than 2 years
For two and a half years, the doors of the Anne Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Detroit's Belle Isle have been closed to the public — but as of Dec. 4, 2024, the public is welcome once more.
"Oh my gosh, it's so great to see everyone here, folks coming in out of the cold and smiling," exclaimed Amanda Treadwell, the urban area field planner for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
"The staff was getting emails for months saying 'When can we get back in?' So it's great to be able to invite people, especially during the winter months."
Built in 1904, the historic building underwent a multimillion dollar renovation to improve the structural integrity of the conservatory's hallmark dome and remove hazardous materials to make it safer for visitors. The work included replacing more than 1,500 panes of glass, removing asbestos and lead paint, and new catwalks.
Treadwell explained the upgrades are significant, but it was not intended to be a major transformation.
"A lot of subtle work," she said.
"When you come in, you can see all the light coming in and the glass is all matching. It doesn't look like a patchwork of glass. It's secure and not broken. We did a lot of good upgrades."
The building was supposed to reopen in May, but it took a bit longer to do the full scope of the necessary work.
Treadwell remarks that the conservatory is a beloved landmark for the community.
"It's a really unique space. There's over 5,000 species of plants from all around the world here," she said.
"Folks can come and have a staycation to get out of the cold.... There's always something new blooming, so every time you come, it can be a new experience."
Public response since reopening has been enthusiastic, explained Tom Bissett, the urban district supervisor with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
"They absolutely love it," Bissett said.
"It's really a time treasured community thing to be able to come in from the cold, enjoy being warm, but also get to see something you just don't see anywhere else.... In tandem with the aquarium next door, it really does give you the opportunity to spend the day at Belle Isle."
A total of $12.5 million US has gone into the conservatory in the last five years.
The building is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
