phipps 001 (Photo credit: marshlight)
Pittsburgh, Pa. — Thanks to a generous grant from the Jack Buncher Foundation, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will open its doors free of charge on Monday, October 29, 2012. Community members of all ages are encouraged to come out between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on this special day to experience the beauty of one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved cultural attractions.
Guests who attend this year’s free admission day will enjoy the colorful booms and festive scenes of Fall Flower Show, featuring thousands of chrysanthemums in hues of harvest-inspired deep purples, bright greens, brilliant yellows, bold reds and warm oranges. The Conservatory’s popular Garden Railroad—for which model G trains chug through an elaborate living landscape with an 1893 Chicago World’s Fair theme—will also be on the move, delighting kids and adults alike.
“We express our sincere gratitude to the Jack Buncher Foundation for making this wonderful gift to our community possible through their great generosity,” says Phipps Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini. “Every year, this free day gives scores of people the opportunity to pass through our doors and explore the wonders of nature. That kind of experience is truly priceless.”
“Everyone should have the opportunity to visit and experience the beauty of Phipps,” says Bernita Buncher, chair of the Jack Buncher Foundation. “It is one of the jewels of Pittsburgh and we are happy to share this historic greenhouse with our friends and neighbors.”
As always, Café Phipps will also be open for lunch and healthy snacks throughout the day. Showcasing food that is good for people and the planet, and a fun kid’s menu with dishes like Organic Peanut Butter and Organic Fresh Berries on Whole Grain Bread, this 3-star Green Restaurant Certified® eatery is a great place to begin or end a family-friendly excursion through the gardens. More about visitor amenities can be found at phipps.conservatory.org or by calling 412/622-6914.
About Phipps: Established in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. stands as an eco-champion among America’s 500 public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate visitors with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and worldwide biodiversity through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more at phipps.conservatory.org.
