Hershey Gardens Conservatory
- Product: Ridgelights and clerestories
- Location: Hershey, PA
- Contractor: Reynolds Construction
- Architect: LSC Design
- Specs:
- CSI Code: 08 63 00
- 24757
About this Project
The Hershey Gardens Conservatory, which opened in 2016, is a year-round garden experience that showcases the beauty of nature and the craftsmanship of Crystal Structures. The conservatory features a stunning glass atrium and skylights that bathe the entire space in natural sunlight, creating the perfect environment for both plants and butterflies to thrive.
Don Papson, the executive director of the M. S. Hershey Foundations says, “We’re very excited about being able to add this year-round facility, especially for the children and families that want to learn more about plants, horticulture, and now butterflies.”
Crystal Structures manufactured and installed three oversize 9′ x 22′ metal-framed skylights on each wing of the conservatory, as well as a massive 22′ x 52′ glass atrium in the center. These skylights and the atrium allow visitors to enjoy the gardens no matter what the weather, providing opportunities for education and entertainment year-round.
“From the opening of the gardens going forward, Hershey Gardens will not close for a season,” Dan Babbit, Associate Director said, “It will be open year-round, so we can be more available to schools and service a lot more school groups.”
The skylights and atrium are not only functional but also visually stunning. The atrium reaches a height of 37 feet and is adorned with 63 hand-crafted, stained glass butterflies, creating a breathtaking visual experience for visitors.
The butterfly wing, one of only 25 indoor butterfly atriums in the country, benefits greatly from the natural sunlight provided by the skylights. The constant temperature of 78-82 degrees, maintained by the skylights and atrium, creates the perfect environment for the tropical butterflies and 300 colorful plant species to flourish.
Crystal Structures is proud to have been a part of such a prestigious project that honors the legacy of Milton Hershey and his dream of creating a beautiful garden for all to enjoy. The skylights and atrium manufactured and installed by Crystal Structures have helped make the Hershey Gardens Conservatory a truly special place that will continue to inspire and educate visitors for years to come.
