Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a global leader in plant science research. Entering a new era, the Garden engaged the design team to design an iconic visitor center as the primary gateway for more than one million annual visitors. This state-of-the-art facility represents a bold, rejuvenating vision for the Missouri Botanical Garden and their mission of “plants are life.”

From first arrival, a spacious stairway and multi-tiered entry gardens lead to a soaring lobby filled with dappled natural light. Arresting gardens and conservatories await just a few steps away.

Beyond the overall design and development of the exterior spaces, the landscape architectural design team worked closely with the Garden’s Horticulturalists to research and select thousands of rare plant species from growers throughout the country and research sites around the world, all for use in this legacy landscape.

The new and enhanced visitor experience significantly expands the Garden’s ability to educate, entertain, and engage visitors in more ways, and includes a dynamic, diverse landscape of species that beautifully illustrate the story of the Garden’s global mission.

Arbolope Studio has served as the St. Louis design partner, collaborating with Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Jeffrey Bruce & Co, and Ayers Saint Gross.