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Perfectly designed for special events, the Muessel-Ellison Conservatory includes a large, open space and a peaceful lower area with a small waterfall and mature tropical plants.
Our History
Designed and built in the 1960’s by Lord & Burnham, one of the 20th century’s pre-eminent designers of greenhouses, the Conservatories were gifts from Ella Morris and the Muessel-Ellison Foundation to the people of South Bend.
Our Mission
The Friends of Potawatomi Conservatories celebrate the ecology, beauty, and cultural significance of plants through public gardens in and around the conservatories of Potawatomi Park.
In furtherance of this mission, the Friends of Potawatomi Conservatories care for the gardens, host educational programming, and facilitate public use of the gardens.
Exciting News: City Approves $200k Funding for Major Conservatory Renovations!
The Desert Dome has a circular path around a sunken area filled with cacti, agave, and other examples of arid environment plants.
A multi-functional facility, the Ella Morris Conservatory includes a meeting room and a large growing room with a lovely fountain and winding paths through tropical plants.
The future of the Potawatomi Conservatories is growing brighter! We are excited to announce that the City has approved a $200,000 renovation investment dedicated to engineering, architectural exploration, and construction timeline development for an upcoming $1M+ transformation of our space.
What does this mean for you right now?
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Operations as Usual: All regular visiting hours, community programs, workshops, and private event rentals will continue as scheduled without disruption.
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Updates Coming Soon: While we are in the initial phase and do not yet have a final construction timeline, we are committed to keeping our visitors, members, and supporters informed every step of the way.
The investment marks a significant milestone in preserving and enhancing our cherished green space for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for the City of South Bend, and the community's ongoing support and can't wait to share more details as the plans develop!