Awards

Since re-opening in September, 2003, the Conservatory of Flowers has garnered numerous local, state and national awards.  These awards recognize the stunning architecture, collections, and historical importance of the Conservatory.

Awards 2003 to present

April 1, 2004:
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Save America’s Treasures and Home & Garden Television selected the Conservatory of Flowers as the newest addition to HGTV’s initiative Restore America: A Salute to Preservation. The Conservatory was selected among 1,000 other sites across the country. In 1998, former first lady Hillary Clinton was integral in spearheading the White House Millennium Council’s “Save America’s Treasures” campaign. Along with the Taj Mahal, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and Angkor Wat, the Conservatory is listed among the world’s 100 most endangered architectural sites.

May 1, 2004:
Victorian Society in America recognized the Conservatory renovation among four other national restoration projects (constructed between 1837 and 1917) for buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

May 17, 2004:
The California Horticultural Society awarded the Conservatory with the Society’s 2004 Garden Award recognizing the Conservatory’s Highland Tropics. This is the first time the award has been presented to a public institution.

June 11, 2004:
Conservatory Director Scot Medbury is recognized by the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboretums by receiving the Professional Citation Award for significant achievements in public horticultural.

June 24, 2004:
California Heritage Council awarded the Conservatory of Flowers their Restoration and Preservation Award

October 27, 2004:
The 2004 Friedel Klussmann Beautification Award was presented to the Conservatory of Flowers by San Francisco Beautiful, recognizing their mission for nearly 60 years of creating, enhancing, and protecting the unique beauty and livability in San Francisco.

November 17, 2004:
California’s history is a tangible link to people, places and events that have shaped our lives and the legacy of our collective past. The Conservatory of Flowers embodies this spirit and was awarded the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award for our outstanding commitment to excellence in historic preservation.

December 1, 2004:
The San Francisco Guardian lists the Conservatory of Flowers in the “Best of the Bay 2004” section with the designation of “Best Accidental Sauna”, citing the quiet simplicity of the facility and the face-freshening oxygen, steam, and heat.

January 10, 2005:
Cited as “a beautiful example of a pavilion in a park that has been lovingly restored”, the American Institute of Architects recognized the Conservatory of Flowers among only a dozen other buildings nationwide to receive the 2005 National AIA Honor Award for Architecture. The selected projects include both up and coming and well-known architects and firms.

May 2005
Award from the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California

July 2005
IESNA: International Illumination Design Award – Award of Merit – facility lighting

September 17, 2005
California Preservation Design Award January 2006 The Arc of San Francisco awards Conservatory with the Employer of the Year Award for outreach and employment of people with disabilities. The Conservatory of Flowers has been recognized as a leader in the city of San Francisco for employing people with disabilities. The clients of The Arc work on the guest services team at the Conservatory as greeters at the front desk. Their enthusiastic personalities and their desire to have a job is an example to all the staff at the Conservatory. (The Arc is a national organization that provides services to people with disabilities)