Crystal Bridge to close for repairs until 2022
For the first time in its 30-plus year history, the Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Myriad Botanical Gardens will undergo a complete renovation of its interior spaces.
The last day for the public to enter the Crystal Bridge is Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then it will close to the public until late 2022.
A plant sale for those plants that will not be transferred to the renovated space will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 29. Garden members will have early access from 9 to 10 a.m. To join, go to myriadgardens.org.
Among the many upgrades designed to enhance visitor experience are new path layouts, educational exhibits, improved ADA accessibility and a new gift shop.
Additional features of the $9.7 million project include improvements to interior aging infrastructure, a more diverse plant collection with both permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as new and enhanced water elements, circulation paths and sitting areas.
A second-level terrace feature will overlook the conservatory and add much-needed educational programming and venue space. Improved accessibility, including an elevator, will enable people for all ages and physical abilities to fully enjoy the space.
As the centerpiece of the gardens, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory’s unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels.
The conservatory includes 13,000 square feet of plant display area in two distinct climates: the Tropical Wet Zone and the Tropical Dry Zone at the north end.
“The improvements planned for the bridge will ensure that it is as worldclass as the outdoor spaces in the gardens,” said Maureen Heffernan, CEO of Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park Foundations. “This more dynamic conservatory renovation takes full advantage of the major downtown development just south of the gardens, including Scissortail Park, the Convention Center and Omni Hotel. With new educational features planned for the conservatory, learning experiences will be enriched for all ages and contribute to the long term financial sustainability of the gardens.”
Funding for the project has been provided by Inasmuch Foundation, Devon Energy Corp., city of Oklahoma City, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Jean and David McLaughlin and the Kirkpatrick Family Fund.
The architectural, exhibit and retail design team include Murase and Associates (Seattle), ADG (Oklahoma City), Gecko Group for educational exhibits (Philadelphia), and Charles Sparks & Co. for retail design (Chicago).