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The Conservatory at Miami Hamilton

The Conservatory supports the instructional and research programs of Miami University, to maintain a scientifically verified collection of plants, to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of plants through public education and interpretive programs, and to promote the conservation of natural resources. Our vision is to promote the betterment of the academic programs of Miami University and the schools and citizens of the region.

Plan a Visit

Admission to The Conservatory is always free!

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Hours

Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
Friday: 12 -4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Hours are subject to change without notice due to staff availability.

Galleries

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Atrium The Atrium welcomes our visitors, is home to our largest plant specimens, and is gateway to the other collection rooms, the Meeting Room, and The Conservatory's work areas. It features a hexagonal dome topped by a cupola that is illuminated at night to serve as a welcome beacon from the "Gem of Hamilton."
Full inside of the atrium with plants
Butterfly Garden The butterfly garden was established in 2014, by the ECO club (Environmentally Conscious Organization), SGA (Student Government Association) and the Conservatory. In 2015, The Conservatory took over the long term care of the garden. The main function of the garden is to create an aesthetically pleasing space to host Ohio native butterflies.
Yellow and purple flowers with a wooden bird house and a black sign reading Rentschler Hall.
Desert Room The Desert Room houses native xerophytes (plants that are heat and drought resistant.) These plants are from Northern Mexico, the US Southwest, North and South Africa, Madagascar, the Middle East, Northwestern India, the South American Southwest, Central Asia, and Australia.
Desert room cactaeae with white flowers
Formal Landscape The formal gardens and groves that surround the building contain many native perennial herbs, shrubs, and trees or cultivars of same. These areas are dedicated to sharing with the community the beauty, utility, and versatility of native Ohio plants for landscaping.
Exterior of The Conservatory with view of formal plantings and water feature.
Horticultural Room The Horticultural Room contains frost-tender plants that would probably not exist but for the care of humans. These include a wide range of colorful cultivars (cultivated varieties) and hybrids.
Purple Horticultural flowers in the Horticultural Room.
Prairie The tallgrass prairie is a reconstruction of a biome type that was once frequently found in Southwest Ohio that has largely been replaced by farms and urban development. All of the plants in our prairie are native Ohio plant species and their varieties. The current prairie is undergoing an expansion that includes a nature trail that winds through the area to make observing the plants more easy for everyone.
Prairie with a black bird sitting on a wooden bird feeder
Rain Garden The rain garden was established in 2004 through a joint effort of the Butler County Soil and Water Conservancy District, The Conservatory and Miami University. The main function of the rain garden is to collect and filter rainwater from the adjacent parking lot.
Rain garden with a plotted plant in the front and the Miami University arch in the background
Tropical Room The Tropical Room houses plants that are native to regions of the world that have warm, humid, and relatively uniform climates with frequent rains. These regions are Central America, Northern South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Northern Australia, and various tropical islands.
Multiple examples of tropical flora that is adapted to a hot, steamy environment, including vines climbing on structures, in pots on tables and the floor, and hanging from hooks attached to high bars.
Research Room The Conservatory offers a Research and Teaching room. Access is restricted to students and staff during classes and meetings.
Students working with plants and pumpkins in the research room

Give to The Conservatory

Help us continue to increase the Conservatory's visibility in the region, enhance educational programs related to plants and nature, and enhance the advocacy and financial support of The Conservatory.
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The Conservatory at Miami Hamilton

1601 University Blvd
Hamilton, OH 45011