This beautiful Art Deco greenhouse is situated in Forest Park, St. Louis. It was formally known as the St. Louis Floral Conservatory and now serves as a public horticultural facility. Built in 1936 by Robert Paulus, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Jewel Box consists of 16,664 square feet of plate glass in over 4,000 panes, set in wood and wrought iron supports. Most of the glass is framed by copper. The ceiling is composed of wood planking and the Jewel Box’s entrance is made of limestone. A reflecting pool lies in front of the entrance. The Jewel Box’s glass construction was a ground-breaking achievement in 1936. A fun fact relating to this is that in 1938 a hailstorm broke a thousand panes of glass in Forest Park’s greenhouses — but not one in the Jewel Box.

A $3.5 million renovation in 2002 transformed the interior into an open, sunlit space ideal for quiet moments, weddings and other special events. The Flora Conservancy of Forest Park works with the City of St. Louis to maintain the beautiful floral arrangements around the area.

Original piece is mixed media on watercolor paper | 11 x 14”