Special Exhibits

The 2nd Annual
Golden Gate Express Garden Railway

November 19, 2009 -- April 18, 2010

All aboard The Golden Gate Express for a San Francisco holiday experience like no other! The Conservatory brings back its enormously popular garden railway exhibition this winter with new features and surprises sure to delight young and old alike. It’s a celebration of the city of San Francisco as a model train, cable car, streetcar and more wend their way through a lush landscape of dwarf plants and zip past mini versions of the city’s landmark buildings.

From Ghirardelli Square to the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower to Chinatown’s dragon gate, replicas of San Francisco’s most famous places have been creatively crafted from recycled and repurposed materials. Corks, wine boxes, cheese graters, cutlery and more come together to make San Francisco’s gourmet haven, the Ferry Building, and the towering Transamerica Pyramid is studded with over 600 computer keys. Debuting this year are eight new landmarks including San Francisco’s City Hall, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Castro Theater and more -- all set amongst miniature gardens and parks to create a magical setting for this special holiday attraction.

This year's all-new, dynamic design was created by the members of the Bay Area Garden Railway Society (BAGRS). With over 300 members that have created more than 1000 layouts in backyards around the Bay Area since 1988, BAGRS is the largest club of its kind in the world with more outdoor railroads than anywhere else.

New this year also are some only-in-San Francisco special effects including the sounds of the city and the twice-daily arrival of the fog. Don’t miss this chance to see San Francisco’s famous fog roll in under the Golden Gate and envelop the mini city in mystery at 11:15 AM and 4:15 PM each day.

So, gather the family and get on track. The Golden Gate Express is a must see destination for the holidays!

For more information, please call the Conservatory's Information Line at:

415-831-2090

RECENT PRESS COVERAGE
San Francisco Chronicle
December 9, 2009
Conservatory of Flowers' model city, railroad

The Conservatory of Flowers would like to thank the following media sponsors for their support of the exhibition: