The Missouri Botanical Garden, also known locally as "Shaw's Garden", was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw, a successful St. Louis businessman, who was inspired by the gardens of his home country of England. Shaw wanted his garden to be educational, a place for scientific research, as well as a beautiful display of horticulture.
Today, the garden is a National Historic Landmark and continues to lead the world in botanical research. Visitors are delighted by the garden's most popular attraction, the Japanese Garden, a 14 acre strolling garden with a four-acre lake filled with Koi, waterfalls, islands and several Japanese bridges. Another popular attraction is the Climatron, a geodesic-domed conservatory that houses many endangered species of tropical rain forests. There are other diverse gardens that showcase English woodlands, exotic Turkish plantings, a Chinese garden and a Children's garden that highlights the wetlands and prairies of the Midwest.
The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts many special events, such as festivals and art exhibits, throughout the year. Some of those events include the Japanese Festival on Labor Day weekend, the Orchid Show in February and March, the Garden Glow from November through New Years, and the Whitaker Music Festival held throughout the months of May through July.
The Garden hours are 9am-5pm daily. An admission fee is charged. St. Louis County and City residence can enter the Garden for FREE on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 9-11am (except during special admission rate events). See website for current hours.
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd
St Louis, MO 63110
314-577-5100