Informational content only — always verify hours and admission with each garden before visiting.
Cleveland Botanical Garden — The Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse

Ohio · Est. 1930

Cleveland Botanical Garden

An urban oasis in the heart of University Circle featuring manicured gardens and curated glasshouses.

Founded

1930

Size

10 acres

Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 6b

Best Season

April to October

About Cleveland Botanical Garden

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is a 10-acre urban sanctuary located in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. It features beautiful outdoor gardens and the 17,000-square-foot Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, offering visitors an immersive botanical experience. The garden serves as a living laboratory for students, teachers, and researchers, and is a catalyst for urban revitalization.

History & Heritage

Founded in 1930 as the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland, it was the first civic garden in an American city. Originally housed in a converted boathouse on Wade Park Lagoon, it moved to its present location in University Circle in 1966. In 1994, it was renamed the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and in 2003, it opened a dramatically expanded facility including the iconic Glasshouse.

Signature Feature

The Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse

This 17,000-square-foot conservatory is home to plant and animal life from two separate biomes: the spiny desert of Madagascar and the cloud forest of Costa Rica. It features over 350 species of plants and 50 species of animals, including hundreds of butterflies that are released daily from April through October.

Photo Gallery

Lush greenery in the botanical garden

Lush greenery in the botanical garden

Beautiful outdoor garden paths

Beautiful outdoor garden paths

Inside the glasshouse conservatory

Inside the glasshouse conservatory

Notable Collections

Madagascar Glasshouse

A collection of endangered plants and one of the United States' largest collections of baobab trees.

Costa Rica Glasshouse

A lush tropical environment featuring bromeliads, orchids, fruit trees, and daily butterfly releases.

Hershey Children's Garden

The first children's garden in Ohio, designed to help children discover the wonders of nature.

Western Reserve Herb Garden

A formal knot garden with over 3,500 plants, including culinary, medicinal, and historic varieties.

Plan Before You Go

Hours, Parking & Accessibility

Hours & Seasonal Timing

Tuesdays - Saturday: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. | Sundays: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. | Mondays: Closed

Best seasonal window: April to October

Parking & Arrival

Indoor parking garage available; Members $7, Nonmembers $12 for up to 2 hours.

Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with elevator access from the parking garage to the main entrance.

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

  • Vail Medal for significant national contributions to the field of horticulture

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 to October

Address

11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone

216-721-1600

Hours

Tuesdays - Saturday: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. | Sundays: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. | Mondays: Closed

Admission

Adults: $21, Children (3-12): $15, Children (2 and under): Free

Parking

Indoor parking garage available; Members $7, Nonmembers $12 for up to 2 hours.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with elevator access from the parking garage to the main entrance.

Insider Tips

  • 1Purchase tickets online in advance to receive a discount on regular admission.
  • 2Don't miss the daily butterfly releases in the Costa Rica Glasshouse from April through October.
  • 3Visit on Tuesdays if you are a senior (60+) for discounted admission.
  • 4Explore the nearby Cleveland Museum of Art and Wade Oval while in University Circle.

Nearby Attractions

  • The Cleveland Museum of Art (0.2 miles)
  • Wade Oval (0.3 miles)
  • Cleveland Museum of Natural History (0.4 miles)

For an overnight visit, compare options around the garden address and choose the route, accessibility features, and cancellation terms that fit your plans.

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