Missouri · Est. 1859
Missouri Botanical Garden
America's oldest botanical garden — and still one of its best
Founded
1859
Size
79 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 6a
Best Season
April–May, September–October
About Missouri Botanical Garden
Henry Shaw was a Sheffield-born hardware merchant who made a fortune in St. Louis and then spent the second half of his life giving it away to plants. The Missouri Botanical Garden, which he founded in 1859 on the advice of Asa Gray of Harvard and Sir William Hooker of Kew, is the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. Its 79 acres contain the Climatron — the first fully climate-controlled geodesic dome greenhouse in the US — and Seiwa-en, one of the largest Japanese strolling gardens in North America. Shaw's original 1851 Tower Grove House still stands on the grounds, a reminder that this institution is older than the Civil War.
History & Heritage
Henry Shaw established the garden in 1859, working closely with Asa Gray of Harvard and Sir William Hooker of Kew Gardens to build a scientifically credible institution from the start. Shaw's original 1851 Tower Grove House still stands on the grounds. The garden was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The Climatron, opened in 1960, was the first fully climate-controlled geodesic dome greenhouse in the United States — a Buckminster Fuller-inspired structure that was considered futuristic enough to win the Reynolds Award for Architectural Excellence.
Signature Feature
The Climatron Geodesic Dome Conservatory
Opened in 1960, the Climatron is a 0.5-acre geodesic dome housing 2,800+ tropical plant species across a simulated rainforest environment. It was the first fully climate-controlled geodesic dome greenhouse in the US and won the Reynolds Award for Architectural Excellence. The original structure was replaced in 1990 with a new dome using the same footprint but improved glazing technology. Walking through it in a St. Louis January, surrounded by orchids and tropical ferns while snow falls outside, is one of the more pleasantly disorienting experiences in American horticulture.
Bloom-planning note
Best Time to See Blooms at Missouri Botanical Garden
The strongest overall display is typically April–May, September–October. That window combines the garden's major collections with the regional sequence of flowering trees, bulbs, perennials, and seasonal color.
In the broader Great Lakes & Midwest season, the spring sequence begins with bulbs and flowering trees, builds into a broad summer perennial season, and ends with rich foliage and grasses.
Timing changes with weather, elevation, and individual collection conditions. Confirm bloom progress directly with the garden before planning a special visit.
Photo Gallery
The Climatron dome
Japanese Garden Seiwa-en
Kemper Center
Notable Collections
Japanese Garden (Seiwa-en)
14-acre Japanese strolling garden, one of the largest in North America.
Climatron
Geodesic dome with 2,800+ tropical species.
Kemper Center
23-garden complex for home gardening demonstrations.
Sculpture Collection
Outdoor sculpture throughout the grounds.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Daily 9am–5pm
Best seasonal window: April–May, September–October
Parking & Arrival
Free
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Fully ADA-accessible
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- National Historic Landmark (1971)
- APGA member
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April–May, September–October
Address
4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone
(314) 577-5100
Hours
Daily 9am–5pm
Admission
Adults $14, Seniors $11, Children $7
Parking
Free
Accessibility
Fully ADA-accessible
Insider Tips
- 1Wednesday summer evenings have live music
- 2Japanese Garden best on weekday mornings
- 3Climatron great in winter
- 4Free days for local residents
Nearby Attractions
- Forest Park (1 mi)
- St. Louis Zoo (2 mi)
- St. Louis Art Museum (3 mi)