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SONY DSC
By Gayleen Froese
For a place so well-known that it helps define the Edmonton skyline, the Muttart Conservatory holds more surprises than you might think.
The distinctive pyramids of this accredited museum offer immersion in four vibrant worlds—a tropical paradise, a striking arid tableau, a lush temperate forest, and a feature pyramid that offers a new themed showcase every six to eight weeks. Unusual plants, including some of the world’s rarest orchids, are in abundance and something new is always blooming. Last year, visitors were treated to the once-in-a-lifetime joy of seeing Bella, the Conservatory’s towering 35-year-old agave plant, bloom for a few short months before dying. This year, a spectacular—and famously fragrant—corpse plant will be blooming in the night within the tropical pyramid.
“We offer visitors a memorable experience,” says Muttart Conservatory Director Heather Seutter. “No matter how many times you visit, you’ll see something you haven’t seen before. With some of our plants, such as Bella, it’s a chance to see something that’s not only beautiful but extraordinary.”
The diversity of the plant life, the unique architecture and the skill of the Muttart’s growers are more than enough to make the Muttart Conservatory a must-see for any visitor to Edmonton. The surprise is that it offers a great deal more.
Culina at the Muttart is unmissable for “foodies.” This cafe works with local producers, including the Muttart’s own greenhouses, to provide fresh greens and herbs year-round. The weekend brunch is a favourite among locals who appreciate food with honest ingredients and creative flair. Culina is also open Thursday nights, which have become known as Date Nights at the Muttart. Instead of the same-old dinner and a movie, couples come to the Muttart for an exceptional meal and a romantic stroll through the pyramids, which are lit from the inside and sparkle with delicate, shifting colours. There is a new evening light display at the Conservatory that glows on the interior of the Pyramid glass structures. Visitors and even the Conservatory’s growers are still discovering the beautiful ways the lights interact with the plant life.
“Certain plants really pick up the lights,” says Head Grower James McIvor. “The ficus, in particular look very different under the new pyramid lights.”
Spend some time in the Muttart and you’ll discover another surprise—this home to natural beauty is also a centre for culture and the arts. Seutter says,
“Artists are inspired by the Muttart, and our growers are inspired by the visual and performing arts that are hosted here. In 2012, we partnered with the Alberta Ballet. They created a magical performance of the Nutcracker and we carried that into our Nutcracker feature pyramid for the end of the year. We feel we have a natural connection to the arts.”
The Muttart Conservatory is becoming known as a place to be for events, particularly on weekends. Special Events Coordinator Alex Hamilton is proud to welcome performers and guests into the Muttart’s unique environment.
“The combination of a great musical performance, a visual art display, and this incredible conservatory filled with all this colour and life... that’s an experience you’re not going to find anywhere else in Edmonton. There’s something special about hearing the Alberta Chinese Orchestra perform, discovering our Chinese New Year feature pyramid, planting a jade plant for luck, and finally watching fireworks over the pyramids. We love to host events that offer something for all the senses.”
The Muttart Conservatory is a welcoming place for talented musicians. Different genres of music are celebrated on nights throughout the year. The Conservatory is also a venue for children’s activities and events as varied as wine tastings and live, interactive murder mysteries.
Adults and children alike also come to the Muttart Conservatory to learn. The Muttart’s lively tours are popular with new visitors and regulars.
“There’s always something new blooming,” Seutter says. “A pyramid will never be the same twice. That means our guides always have something new to talk about.”
Guests who want to learn more are invited to take quick, fun courses that teach everything from creating “living art” picture frames filled with succulents to canning small batches of fresh food. If you’re planning a longer stay in Edmonton and are looking for a way to meet people and gain a new skill, look on the Muttart Conservatory’s website for upcoming courses. Most are only a few hours long—perfect for a visitor who wants to try something different.
“If you’re looking for something to do in Edmonton,” Seutter says, “find out what’s happening at the Muttart Conservatory. Enjoy Culina’s. Relax on the patio. We’ve got the most beautiful patio in town, tucked away in the river valley. This is an incredible place and we believe in offering our guests an experience to match.”
The Muttart Conservatory is one of the City of Edmonton’s signature attractions and visitors to the city are welcome to call 311 (780-442-5311 for those outside Edmonton) for more information. For those planning their trip online, a wealth of information can be found at muttartconservatory.ca or on the Muttart Conservatory Facebook page.