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The Ultimate Guide to the Green Oasis of Muttart Conservatory (+ Local Tips!)
- Where is Muttart Conservatory?
- How to Get to Muttart Conservatory
- Things to Know about Muttart Conservatory
- What to Do and See in Muttart Conservatory
- Explore the biomes
- Go on a romantic date
- Book a photography session
- Rent the place for your event
- Bring the kids to drop-in programs
- Register for activities and experiences
- Where to Eat or Drink near Muttart Conservatory
- Café Bloom at the Muttart
- Rigoletto's
- Underground Tap & Grill
- Where to Shop in Muttart Conservatory
- Marigold Gift Shop
- Where to Stay near Muttart Conservatory
- Matrix Hotel
- Courtyard Edmonton Downtown
- Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
- FAQs about Muttart Conservatory
The Muttart Conservatory, one of the largest indoor botanical collections in Canada, is an oasis for plant lovers. Its three climate-controlled biomes host a diverse array of over 700 species of plants, which makes this spectacular display a must-see in Edmonton!
British architect Peter Hemingway designed it, which boasts four distinct glass pyramids that will take you to unique exhibitions featuring arid, temperate, and tropical displays of plants. And yes, there’s always something fresh with the seasonal collections!
Whether you’re a local or a traveller, you have to see Muttart Conservatory because it provides a unique experience every season. We’ve got it all covered, from tips on how to get there, activities to do, places to stay, and restaurants to dine in!
Where is Muttart Conservatory?
Muttart Conservatory is located in Edmonton, near the North Saskatchewan River Valley. It’s only a 10- to 15-minute drive from the downtown core.
It is in the Cloverdale neighbourhood, along 96A Street NW, and nestled beside rows of residential houses.
How to Get to Muttart Conservatory
Closest bus stop: ride the bus and alight at either #2127 (westbound) or #2242 (eastbound). Then, walk to the neighbourhood for five to eight minutes until you reach the entrance to the Conservatory.
Alternatively, you can drive to 109 Street NW going to E 97 Avenue NW. Then, continue to James Macdonald Bridge and turn right to 96A Street NW until you reach Muttart Conservatory—just look for the glass pyramids.
Edmonton LRT: If you’re taking the Edmonton LRT (Light Rail Transit), alight at the Muttart Stop from the Valley Line. From there, you can see the tops of the pyramids already, which shows you’re in the right place.
The walk to the Conservatory will take approximately 10 minutes or so. This isn’t our most recommended mode of transportation, though, because the area is pretty exposed and you won’t find shades to protect you from the sun or the snow.
Things to Know about Muttart Conservatory
Location: 9626 96A St NW
Contact:
- Phone: 311
- Outside Edmonton 780-442-5311
- Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Wednesday & Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Adults Only, Wednesday: 5 pm – 9 pm
During Wednesday/Thursday extended hours, admissions are until 8:30 pm only
Admission:
- Adult: $14.95
- Youth / Senior: $12.95
- Child (2-12 Years): $7.75
- Child (Under 2 Years): $0
What to Do and See in Muttart Conservatory
Explore the biomes
Media credit: muttartconservatory
One of the main reasons we visit Muttart Conservatory is its educational value and stunning collections. With three distinct biomes to explore, it’s a perfect place for some alone time or quality time with the family, all while learning about different ecosystems.
Discover what each pyramid has to offer. The Arid Pyramid is home to plants that survive in dry weather and sandy terrains—it’s basically a prickly paradise, so make sure the kids don’t run around for safety.
Meanwhile, the Temperate Pyramid showcases plants that change and adapt with the seasons. The last of the three is the Tropical Pyramid, which is all about lush and large plants that thrive in tropical regions.
Go on a romantic date
Media credit: muttartconservatory
Yes, you can go on a fun romantic date at Muttart Conservatory. On Wednesdays, bring your significant other for a night of plant exploring.
On Wednesday nights, from 5 pm to 9 pm, adults can enjoy the quietness of the place without worrying about kids darting about. On nights when it gets really dark, they sometimes put a projector in the biomes for some cool sights.
The dark skies, biome lights, colourful hues, and gorgeous plants are magical and make the night romantic (the place doesn’t even have to try!).
During adult-only hours, Cafe Bloom closes at 9 pm. After touring the biomes, you can have a delicious dinner before heading home.
Book a photography session
Media credit: muttartconservatory
Cost:
- 60-minute session: $255
- 90-minute session: $460
The Conservatory is a perfect backdrop for your photography session, whether you’re having an engagement photoshoot or just want your very own photo session! You can book the place and capture the best shots.
With the lush plants and colourful flowers, you don’t have to worry about spending too much money on props. Muttart Conservatory already provides the perfect setting!
There’s only a minimum of two weeks’ notice, but we still suggest booking earlier than that to ensure you get a spot.
You don’t even have to be a professional photographer to capture the beauty of the place. You’re free to bring handheld cameras or use your phone to take photos inside for personal use!
Rent the place for your event
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Cost: 60-minute ceremony session: $550 (4 pm – 5 pm)
Inclusions: Host and signing table with chair
Muttart Conservatory is certainly a unique venue for your event. Who would’ve thought you could book the place and celebrate your birthday, wedding, or corporate party here? Guests will talk about it for years!
You can also host your event at the Centre Court, which includes the use of the outdoor patio, microphone and sound system. It’s perfect for your reception because there’s an area for dancing!
The in-house caterer will be Cafe Bloom, which provides a serene ambiance. Do note that you aren’t allowed to bring in your own catering service.
Another thing to remember is this is only for intimate ceremonies. The pyramids cannot accommodate large parties.
Bring the kids to drop-in programs
Media credit: muttartconservatory
The Conservatory is one of the best educational places in Edmonton for kids. Children ages three to five can join Mornings at Muttart, where they can enjoy fun activities while learning about plants.
It’s also very interactive, so even fussy kids will have a fun time. There are sensory plays, planting, various craft activities, and games!
The Imagination Station is also worth checking out, where kids can play freely. Building is also encouraged at this part of the Conservatory, where loose toys are available to play with to keep the imagination running wild!
Register for activities and experiences
Media credit: muttartconservatory
Join various experiences and activities at Muttart Conservatory! There’s a good selection of things to do every season for kids and adults, so make sure you always check the events page and reserve your spot.
You can make a DIY terrarium, learn how to plant in your own garden, join a yoga class inside the biome, or watch a beautiful live performance. Not all events are available daily, so keep an eye out for your preferred activity.
Where to Eat or Drink near Muttart Conservatory
Café Bloom at the Muttart
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Location: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A St NW
Contact: 780-263-2880, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Wednesday – Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Price Range: $
If your tummy starts gurgling, you can walk over to Café Bloom, which is literally in the Muttart Conservatory. There’s a good variety of food on the menu, even though this is a small establishment.
There’s a breakfast menu (this one is available all day!), sandwiches, wraps, and a good selection of hot beverages.
For a romantic date, reserve the dome seating on the patio! During adults-only Wednesdays at the Conservatory, you can enjoy music nights at the cafe after exploring the biomes!
Rigoletto’s
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Location: 9802 Jasper Ave
Contact: 780-429-0701
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Price Range: $$
Rigoletto’s is located on Jasper Avenue and within walking distance of Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and Courtyard Hotel. This lovely restaurant has been in Edmonton for almost four decades!
This is the kind of place you visit if you’re craving Italian food, with dishes inspired by Southern Italian cooking. The spaghetti carbonara is a classic and the gnocchi is perfectly soft!
Once you’re done exploring Muttart Conservatory, you can go straight to Rigoletto’s for dinner. It’s only a 6-minute drive from the iconic pyramid biomes!
Underground Tap & Grill
Location: 10004 Jasper Ave
Contact: 780-425-1880, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 11 am – 11 pm
- Thursday: 11 am – 12 am
- Friday: 11 am – 12:30 am
- Saturday: 3 pm – 12:30 am
Price Range: $$
Underground Tap & Grill is all about good food, great beer, and fun conversations. If you’re coming in from adults-only Wednesdays at Muttart Conservatory, you can drive straight to this awesome restaurant for steak and beer (get a designated driver, okay?).
You can start with fish and chips, which pair really well with a good Canadian beer. For a more filling meal, check out the BBQ baby back ribs covered in delicious beer BBQ sauce and the steak tidbit skillet, which is basically bite-sized steaks with chipotle aioli.
The best part about dining here is the wide selection of local and international beer. If you’re feeling fancy, pair your meal with a wine of cocktail!
Where to Shop in Muttart Conservatory
Marigold Gift Shop
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Before leaving, stop by the Marigold Gift Shop at Muttart Conservatory for souvenirs! There are many interesting things you can buy, like artisanal crafts, jewellery, books, postcards, fashion accessories, and plants!
Where to Stay near Muttart Conservatory
Matrix Hotel
Location: 10640 100 Ave NW
Contact: 780-429-2861
Price Range: $$
Matrix Hotel is only a 5-minute drive to the Conservatory. And since it’s in the heart of the city, you’re close to many establishments!
The rooms are simple yet stylish, with enough space for two people. Each guest room also has a desk, which is handy if you’re a business traveller.
There’s complimentary WiFi, pet-friendly rooms, and an on-site restaurant. If you plan on staying here, you can find affordable rates on their website for less than $200 a night (taxes not included).
Courtyard Edmonton Downtown
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Location: One Thornton Court, 99 Street and Jasper Ave
Contact: 780-423-9999
Price Range: $$
Courtyard by Marriott is another convenient hotel because it’s situated downtown. Jasper Avenue is brimming with local businesses you have to try, such as restaurants, shops, and art venues.
It’s only a 6-minute drive from Muttart Conservatory and 26 minutes from the Edmonton International Airport.
The rooms are equipped with WiFi and wired internet, work desks, and mini-refrigerators. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre so you can exercise during your stay, but it is close to parks if you want some fresh air.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Location: 10065 100 St NW
Contact: 780-424-5181, [email protected]
Price Range: $$$
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is luxury at its finest. The sophisticated rooms, plush bedding, soft bathrobes, Nespresso machines, Le Labo toiletries, and top-notch hospitality services scream a lavish stay!
The historic building is an icon in downtown Edmonton. From your room, you’ll have sensational views of the city or the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Plus, there’s literally a bus stop in front of the building! It’s also conveniently close to many restaurants, but there’s on-site dining as well
