Conservatory of Flowers Historical Timeline

San Jose businessman James Lick passes away. The Conservatory, still in crates, is found among his effects.

Prominent SF businessmen purchase Conservatory from Lick's estate and offer as gift to the Park Commission.

The Conservatory is erected in Golden Gate Park.

Conservatory of Flowers opens to the public.

The boiler explodes and the main dome catches fire and is completely destroyed.

Charles Crocker donates funds to restore the Conservatory's dome.

Conservatory survives the earthquake intact.

Fire again damages dome and adjoining potting room.

Structural instability causes the Park Commission to close the Conservatory.

The Conservatory is repainted, reglazed and reopened to the public.

A catwalk and ladders are added to the main dome.

Much of the dome is repaired with pressure-treated redwood.

Major repairs to deteriorated dome woodwork, distinct from 1964 work.

Conservatory closes due to severe windstorm damage in early December.