Wertheim Conservatory offers a taste of the lush life


This is the first post in an occasional series exploring some of the special spaces and unique attributes of the campuses of FIU.

It’s an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of Modesto A. Maidique Campus. The Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Conservatory houses a mini tropical rainforest featuring hundreds of plant species punctuated by a winding walkway. The 42-foot-tall glass structure supports a variety of teaching and research activities in the Department of Biological Sciences and throughout the university.

This “hidden gem” was the vision of Herbert and Nicole Wertheim, who donated the funds for the conservatory and adjacent auditorium in 1990. The greenhouse was nearing completion in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew struck, flattening the structure. It was rebuilt in 1993 and used for research space until a curator position was funded and an interior design contractor found. The conservatory was formally dedicated in April 1997 by Sir Gillian Prance of Kew Gardens.

The conservatory is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday. There is no admission fee. It is located adjacent to the Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) building.

In May 2011, FIU News spoke to curator Scott Zona about the conservatory. Check out the audio slideshow below for his take on this special place at FIU.

For more information, contact Wertheim Conservatory curator Scott Zona at 305-348-1247 orĀ zonas@fiu.edu.