Since its inception in 1876, the Fairmont Park Horticultural Center has lured visitors past Philadelphia's bustling, downtown area to view true botanical splendor. While the area was originally created for the country's centennial festivities, the center that stands today was built in 1979 – a hundred years later for the bicentennial.
Open year-round, the horticultural center houses an exhibition greenhouse and a plethora of gardens. The greenhouse remains warm even in winter months and contains a variety of tropical plants – beautifully landscaped around indoor fountains, sculptures, and benches. Once outside, options abound for the curious visitor. The center offers a tree pamphlet that allows you to experience a self-guided tour, while learning about and marveling at over 20 varieties of trees. The approximate time for the tour is one hour, and it can be easily modified or lengthened depending on the level of your arbor-related zeal.
The gardens each retain a unique identity, as they are all created and tended by various organizations – making the extraordinary gardening effort truly communal. For nature enthusiasts who prefer to move at a quicker clip, winding paths permit floral observation while biking, running or walking. The center also allows small groups to picnic on the grounds, but groups larger than five must first obtain a permit. Further, the venue is available to rent for events with prior reservation, and has recently joined forces with famed Philadelphia entrepreneur Stephen Starr – making the delectable Starr Restaurants Catering Group the sole caterer for this venue.
In addition to its everyday attractions and private functions, the center holds garden-themed events throughout the year. The Cherry Blossom Festival attracts approximately 20,000 people annually the second Sunday in April. Members of the Philadelphia Master Gardeners lead a gardening series the second Saturday of every month that covers a wide variety of topics, from learning how to raise bees in urban, rooftop gardens to creating the perfect fall wreath.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Display House: Open Daily: 9am to 3pm, except holidays
- Horticulture Center Grounds: Open Daily, except holidays
- November 1st through March 31st: Hours are 8am to 5pm
- April 1st through October 31st: Hours are 8am to 6pm
- Admission:
- Free, with suggested donations: Adults: $2, Children: $1
- Contact:
- Location: 100 N. Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia, PA
- Phone: 215-685-0096
- Website: www.fairmountpark.org/hortcenter.asp
- Getting there from Center City Philadelphia:
- By Car: Take I-76 heading West, get off at Montgomery Drive exit 341. Turn left at the first light onto Montgomery Drive, then another left at Horticultural Drive. Follow this until you reach the gates for the park, the Horticultural Center is on the right.
- Public Transportation: The easiest and fastest way to reach the center from the downtown area is to take the 38 bus to the intersection of Belmont and Montgomery Drive – Horticultural Drive is in walking distance from this stop.
