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Date: Nov. 5, 2025 
Contact: Missouri Botanical Garden Public Relations Dept.  
Email: pr@mobot.org (media use only)  
  

For Immediate Release 

HISTORIC LINNEAN HOUSE REOPENS AT MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN 
Linnean House is the oldest greenhouse west of the Mississippi 

(ST. LOUIS) The historic Linnean House is once again open to the public at the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

The Linnean House was closed from May through this fall as it underwent extensive renovation to restore the greenhouse to its original purpose as an orangerie. Built in 1882, the Linnean House is the oldest continuously operating greenhouse west of the Mississippi.  

“The Linnean House now represents the use of orangeries in 1882, when it was first built,” said Andrew Wyatt, the Garden’s Senior Vice President of Horticulture and Living Collections. “By then, orangeries had expanded from their original 16th-century purpose of growing tropical fruits. They became showcases for broader plant diversity, with a mix of rare and interesting species.” 

Notable upgrades include new trellises added to the north wall that will allow for a display of climbing plants without harming the historic brick. New botanical wall panels create a stunning artistic element, showcasing plants with historical connections to orangeries and examples of species important to the Garden work, displayed in the style of Victorian ironwork. Custom Wardian cases showcase unique artifacts that tell the story of botanical collecting in both 1882 and the modern era. 

Plants remain the focal point of the Linnean House. Displays highlight the Garden’s historic collections, rare and important species, and seasonal beauty.  

“Many of the plants recently displayed in the Linnean House returned after the renovation,” Wyatt said. “You will also see examples of the species depicted in the botanical art panels. We, of course, have citrus, pineapple, and bananas represented which are all linked to the history of orangeries. You’ll also see the botanical source of tea, the camellia.” 

Right now, seasonal displays include a variety of chrysanthemums. In November, those will be replaced with poinsettias.  

The Linnean House renovations were part of the Gateway to the Garden project. The Garden is working with Michael Vergason Landscape Architects (MVLA) on the project, the same designers behind the landscapes surrounding the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. Arbolope Studio serves as the lead local contractor for the project. 

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The Missouri Botanical Garden’s mission is “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life.” Today, 166 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display.