The white Victorian greenhouse on the eastern side of Golden Gate Park is older than almost everything around it.
A kit from James Lick
In 1876, eccentric businessman and science patron James Lick bought the materials for two 12,000-square-foot conservatories modeled after Kew Gardens in London. The parts are believed to have come in kit form from greenhouse maker Lord & Burnham. The conservatory was finished in 1879 and is the park's oldest building.
The building
A central dome rises nearly 60 feet. Arched wings stretch the building to 240 feet long, with glass panes set like shingles on a wood frame.
Close calls
Fire badly damaged the central Palm Room in 1883, and its dome was rebuilt. The 1906 earthquake did little damage. Storms in the winter of 1995-96 were far worse. Winds of 100 mph blew out 30,000 panes, shattered the dome and damaged about 15% of the plant collection. After a 1999-2003 restoration that cost $25 million, more than double the original estimate, the conservatory reopened on Sept. 20, 2003.
Today
It's one of the three Gardens of Golden Gate Park, along with the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. A three-day multi-garden pass is available. The gardens site also lists Lightscape at the Botanical Garden from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3.