Central Park Conservatory

Architect: Francis L Reeves (curator) 1927

South | S13

Building Description

Built in 1927, the Central Park Conservatory is one of the oldest and largest surviving public conservatories in Victoria. A reminder of the early 20th century fascination with rare and exotic horticulture, the conservatory and its heritage-listed fountain form the centrepiece of Melbourne’s prized Edwardian-era, Malvern Central Park.

Along with the Fitzroy Garden and Rosalind Park conservatory in Bendigo, the Central Park Conservatory is one of only a handful of surviving public conservatories. Still in its original form, the conservatory is divided into three areas: the central area for tropical plants, with tiered display shelves located on either side. Serviced by an adjacent boiler house, the conservatory was constructed from wire-reinforced clear glass with a curved steel frame imported from Europe in the 1920s.

Reflecting a growing interest in the public display of exotic plants during the inter-war period, the conservatory takes pride of place in Central Park, a leading example of an Edwardian-era public garden in Victoria.

What's On

Central Park Conservatory, open to the public during the hours 11am – 3pm, 27th & 28th of July 2019.
Guides will be available to take you through a journey of yester-year. A must see heritage listed icon. Located on the Cnr of Burke and Wattletree Road in Malvern , easily accessible by public transport.

Location