anna scripps whitcomb conservatory

The Conservatory is a part of my childhood and I can't imagine the world without this cozy, green place. I know some of the trees were there when I was a kid (let's call it 55 years ago) and they feel like old friends. Many updates have made this a happier place and the whole island has benefited from becoming a state park. I'll be back to see the 100,000 plus daffodils this spring. Beautiful!

I have been visiting the Conservatory for over 30 years. The painted white trees were so phony looking and the poinsettia display was unimpressive. I took several suburban friends there on a cold winter day. They were disappointed and don't plan to go back. I am a native Detroiter so I will continue to support Belle Isle. They do need a new landscape professional in the Poinsettia Room.

As others have mentioned, this is a great place to visit during winter or in other unpleasant weather. It is beautifully kept and has a wide variety of plants. The whole building flows nicely from one area to the next, with each different room focusing on a specific environment (desert, tropical, etc.). It's perfect for photography, a leisurely stroll, or just some peace and quiet. I've been here a few times and always enjoy it. My husband and I recently brought his parents who really seemed to like it, as well. Don't miss the aquarium next door!

This is a beautiful conservatory and well worth your time while discovering the many exceptional spots on Belle Isle. I have enjoyed going during the winter months when it is cold outside. On a recent tour I discovered that during WWII Mrs. Scripps housed one of the worlds largest orchid collections here for safe keeping, many rare specimens from wealthy collectors in Europe. The location is next to the oldest aquarium in the US so while you are at it...don't miss that either.

I love coming here on cold and dreary days. It is a warm and tropical respite from the our sometimes wicked MIchigan winters. If need another reason to visit Belle Isle, the conservatory would be it.

Great place to visit during the winter months. They have a variety of plants in different climate zones - bring your camera!

The Belle Isle Conservatory, officially known as the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, is located on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan, not far from the Detroit Windsor bridge.The conservatory houses hundreds of plants of all types, including massive succulents and tiny succulents, as well. The building, designed by Albert Kahn and built in 1904, displays some of the most beautiful architectural designs. Treat yourself and go see this wonderful historical attraction.

Wonderful, huge palms, a fernery and many large, weird plants entirely unkown to me, I think the place was built in 1904 or something, and it is great to see that it's still around.

So I have to admit I was very concerned at first getting married at the conservatory since the island only books out 2 hour blocks... Ours was 1pm-3pm I was terrified that the people before us would run over or the people after us would try to rush us. However things worked out great, apparently the people before us left early we were able to set up chairs around 12:20pm.. The garden and atmosphere was amazing... I was nervous that since it was still open to the public that some people would be wandering in our area or messing up our pictures yet was pleased that nobody did that, the people that watched waited and didn't get in the way which was nice. I visited the venue a month in advance as another wedding was going on, unfortunately for them there were 3 ice cream trucks with their music going... Next to the conservatory is a pavilion that was rented out they had bounce houses and a dj going, lucky for us they didn't start the loud music until after our ceremony.. Be mindful that if you plan a wedding here that sound can be an issue we happened to get really lucky!

Make the trek to Belle Isle to see this. Gorgeous building in a clump of great architecture - the Conservatory, the historic Aquarium, the Scott Fountain, the old Stables, the Carillon, a Saarinen pavilion, all within an Olmstead Park. Amazing! Detroit is a beautiful place.

I can't say enough about how amazing this trip was. The variety and selection of flowers and plants in the conservatory is mind blowing. The gardens and grounds were an absolute delight. If you have any doubt about how Detroit is doing this will let you know what a fantastic place we have.

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the neighboring Belle Isle Aquarium both date from 1904, designed by legendary Detroit architect Albert Kahn. Underneath the gorgeous glass roof, the conservatory holds plants from all over the world, including cactus, trees, and tropical flowers. In the summertime, the lily pond outside is not to be missed. It's a great place to come, sit, and relax in the beauty of nature.

I had a free time in Detroit as I had to travel back home at evening. I came here when exploring Belle Island, and was a wonderful experiencie. Outdoor gardens were closed because the winter but inside of the conservatory was another world. I spent nearly 3 hours between lush plants, colorful flowers and brigth Orchids. I am not a plant fan but I really enjoyed my visit. The place is not big but you can stop for a moment relax between flowers. Is a good photo stop too. entrance was free, but I think that was because it was sunday. This place is somewhat forgoten but is worthy to see.

What a wondrous experience right on belle isle don't miss this opportunity to experience the beautiful gardens The koi pond is so tranquil you won't believe that you are in the city.

I love the conservatory. It has an orchid area, one of the tallest palm trees in the world, a desert area, a fern garden, a flower room, and in the summer, a koi pond. It's small but beautiful. It is well maintained by volunteers, and the flower room has different potted flowers depending on the time of year-at Christmastime it's poinsettias, at Eastertime it's Easter lilies, and they vary at other times. Brides love to take pictures here, in the flower room and in the koi pond area. The aquarium next door is also now reopened, on Saturdays for limited hours. I love the warmth and beauty here, and it's free too. I don't know what will change now that Belle Isle is a state park, but I'm looking forward to it.