Rawlings Conservatory image

Rawlings Conservatory

Tourist attraction Park Botanical garden Greenhouse

One of the Top rated Parks in Baltimore


Address

3100 Swann Dr, Baltimore, MD 21217, United States

Website

www.rawlingsconservatory.org

Contact

+1 410-396-0008

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (821 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 3 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: plants (22) visit (11) small (8) beautiful (8) staff (8) Baltimore (8) conservatory (7) rooms (7) time (7) free (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mykl G. 7 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    My experience photographing a small wedding ceremony here was wonderful. The natural light throughout is exceptional! Thanks to the lush canopy, there are patches of relatively soft illumination all day — and it becomes especially mesmerizing during golden hour. Additionally, the diversity of flora both inside the greenhouses and in the outdoor gardens make for beautiful and varied backdrops. I can easily picture this being perfect for engagements and other photoshoots as well. This particular event was a micro-wedding with around 15 guests, and the space felt cozy and intimate with that number. It's worth noting for anyone considering this spot: the interiors do maintain a warm ambiance, a characteristic of many conservatories, so be sure to plan attire accordingly. The staff were incredibly accommodating and the venue itself is a hidden gem. For couples looking for a unique and beautiful venue in Baltimore, especially those considering a smaller, more intimate gathering, I'd highly recommend it! IG @myklmakes
    21 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Austin G. 2 years ago on Google
    Within Druid Hill Park, one of the country’s oldest landscaped public parks, is Rawlings Conservatory, the second oldest surviving glass conservatory in the country. Built in 1888, the conservatory is something out of a Wes Anderson film. Here’s why you should go: 1) Admission: Tickets can be reserved online for every 30 minutes while they are open. Tickets are free, but they do suggest a donation of $15. There’s street parking nearby and they take your temperature due to covid upon arrival. Masks are required. 2) Space: It looks small from the outside, but inside are five different rooms filled with plants from around the world. They even have a little pond with fish. During the holidays, they have a train set up in one of the rooms. 3) Grounds: There’s a small garden outside with a small monument, benches and a Little Free Library.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ari A. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favorite places in Baltimore! So much so that my husband and I got married there. The building is stunning and there are multiple rooms with various climates and plants (desert, tropical, palm house, etc.). The orchid room smells heavenly. The staff have always been informative and friendly. There are various events throughout the year including a beautiful poinsettia display during the holiday season. This is a must-do site in Baltimore if you’re a plant lover!
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth F. 1 year ago on Google
    Small but beautiful and robust conservatory with friendly and knowledgeable employees. A lovely way to spend an hour or 2, they ask for a small donation to visit, I paid $5. If you plan on doing a photo shoot, i.e. engagement photos, fashion shoot, photos you plan to sell then you do have to buy a photography permit. They also have a small section of plants for sale at very reasonable prices.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elisa F. 11 months ago on Google • 716 reviews
    Amazing space with very knowledgeable and kind staff. The plants are gorgeous and the different zones are very fun to walk through. You can even grab pellets at the front desk and feed the fish.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen Yonit D. 1 year ago on Google
    I went for the Maryland Orchid society hosted here. It was my first visit and I was gobsmacked by the beauty of the building! The orchid display was lovely and I spent time looking at the permanent displays as well. The staff were super knowledgeable, sharing interesting tidbits. It was hard to resist buying some of the plant samples that were available. I would visit again, it's so lovely
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maddie N. 9 months ago on Google • 68 reviews
    Rawlings is so beautiful! One of the best free places to visit in Baltimore, though donations are encouraged. There are four large rooms to explore with countless plants, many of which are marked with their particular species. Also a great location for weddings! One of my best friends got married here, and it was stunning and so unique.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Faith Maya O. 1 year ago on Google • 87 reviews
    I had an amazing time here a few weeks ago! Such a lovely, historic, Baltimore landmark. If you love plants, need something to do with your kids or want to come alone, no matter the circumstance, you will enjoy your time here. It’s free with a suggested $5 donation. I reserved my ticket online on Civic Rec. They have a gift shop too! I had the privilege of going during the Maryland Orchid Society’s Orchid show in the conservatory and it was so beautiful. You can also buy your own plant to take home and they offer paid tours as well. I noticed later that if you texted a number you could learn more about the plants. They were all marked pretty well so I googled some plants I was curious about. I don’t want to spoil too much, but please visit and donate the amount!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda C. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful peaceful little spot in Baltimore to escape the world for a bit! Just go. And although it's free, they appreciate donations.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave P. 6 months ago on Google • 74 reviews
    Took four kids to see this. Had a great time, especially feeding the fish and walking around outside afterwards. The flowers, fruits, cacti, and other plants are beautiful. (Great restrooms too!) Suggested and non-enforced donation of $5/ person for entry. Twenty-five cents for some fish food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 B K. 5 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Ridiculous quality. Botany and upkeep are top-notch. Collection of plants is fantastic. Awesome koi pond. A cute cat said hi to me. They were selling a TON of poinsettias all perfectly healthy and bright. Love this place. 🤌
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth H. 1 year ago on Google
    Between the historic building, beautiful plants, and friendly staff, this is an excellent place to visit! There’s a suggested $5 donation which is fair. There are tons of plants to see and a koi pond too! The staff was super friendly and they were quick to point out unique plants for us.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandra B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is breathtaking with different plants and flowers. Not too crowded. The outside is just as gorgeous! But there are no flowers outside of the conservatory during winter, just spring so keep that in mind!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rima B. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place if you want to spend some time with tropical plants and fragrant flowers. The small koi pond is an added bonus. The gorgeous orchid enclave is so beautifully created and maintained. I wonder how can this place do not charge any entry fee. If it is a nice day, a walk in the park is another added bonus. Love this place, and try to visit every year to spend sometime with childhood friends( the plants that grow in my ancestral home) Very well maintained arboretum with a small garden outside. Just wish they sell some seeds and plants.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S “Synsis227” H. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely Beautiful❤ Everyone was so informative and pleasant. This was a school event, the kids loved it. I will be taking my Grandgirls here soon😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel R. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favorite places in the city! There is always something new blooming. I love the seasonal displays and the orchid show. We visit many times a year!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alison R. 10 months ago on Google
    An amazing free conservatory! It was amazing walking through the different sections and seeing the plants in each.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly B. 7 months ago on Google • 51 reviews
    What a gem! $5 donation to visit is well worth it. I always look forward to seeing the citrus trees and orchids. They have a little fish pond inside. A must visit.

  • 5/5 Cailea C. 5 months ago on Google • 14 reviews
    If you like plants, you'll feel at home here. This conservatory has several large rooms devoted to plants from various biomes. It's currently Winter, and they have poinsettias of all colors, as well as all of their usual plants. They even have a section of plants for sale!

  • 5/5 Amrita D. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved our visit. Beautifully maintained indoors and out. Pretty orchid. We loved all the rooms. Parking is right up front. We could easily wheel mum around. The lady at the reception informed us about the history as well.

  • 5/5 Mia S. 11 months ago on Google
    My friend and I really enjoyed our time here. I remember playing baseball in the field near here as a child. The staff here are super friendly and knowledgeable. This is a hidden gem

  • 5/5 Naomi Cataldo (Urban Row P. 1 year ago on Google
    The building and grounds of the Rawlings Conservatory are absolutely breathtaking and make for a stunning backdrop for wedding photos, both inside and out! There are multiple rooms to explore (desert, palm, orchid, meditteranean, etc) but the gardens outside, while in bloom, are my favorite! IG: @urbanrowphotography

  • 5/5 Steven A. 3 years ago on Google
    A hidden treasure in Bmore.

  • 5/5 Angel B. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice. Hope the city keeps it up as a priority

  • 4/5 Lorenzo C. C. 5 years ago on Google
    Hidden gem on the edge of the Hampden and Woodbury neighborhoods of Baltimore. I had found out about it through the Baltimore Farmer's Market and Baazar, as one of the vendors was also doing the holiday open house market at Free Farm. It's one of those places that you find out about through word of mouth. They mostly do community events and the like, and most events are free. Street parking, but a bit off the beaten track too. Most of their events are advertised through Facebook, and I'm sure other outlets, but I mostly hear about them through Facebook.

  • 5/5 Debbie E. 6 years ago on Google
    Beautiful exhibit, helpful staff!

  • 5/5 Nic I. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth the $5! It's a sauna so beware of you only have 1 layer! Bring a book some headphones and make the best of your time, or enjoy taking pictures with your loved ones.

  • 5/5 Daniel C. 5 months ago on Google
    Enjoyed their holiday poinsettias and model trains - the display in the entrance hall was very festive. Definitely a good weekend activity for families & friends.

  • 5/5 George R. 2 years ago on Google
    Having gone past it so many times since I've been living in the city, I can't believe I waited so long to finally check it out! It was amazing seeing all the different flowers inside, as well as the goldfish!


Call +1 410-396-0008 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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