The Japanese Garden in Jackson Park The Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park is a hidden urban treasure that stands as a symbol of peace and American-Japanese friendship. The story of this garden begins at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, when the Phoenix Pavilion, Japanese Houses, and a small Japanese-style garden were built on Jackson Park’s Wooded Island with the input of the Japanese government for the fair. The temple was restored and a more extensive Japanese garden and tea house were added to the site in the 1930s by the newly formed Chicago Park District. Japanese Houses on Jackson Park's Wooded Island. Postcard published by V.O. Hammon Publishing Co., Chicago. In the midst of World War II, the site was nearly forgotten. In 1946, the pavilion was destroyed by arson. However, the garden was re-established in the 1980s, and in the 1990s the Osaka Gate was added to the garden to commemorate the Osaka-Chicago sister c
The Lincoln Park Conservatory. Postcard published by Chas, Levy Circulating Co., Chicago. Chicago Conservatories have provided Chicagoans with a much-needed oasis of plant life—as well as year-round warmth—since the late nineteenth century. According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago , horticulture became popular during this time among city dwellers in the United States and Europe who were concerned about the negative effects of industrialization. The Douglas Park Conservatory. Postcard published by B. Sebastian, Chicago. Three small conservatories were built between 1886 and 1888 in Humbolt Park, Douglas Park, and Garfield Park. The Lincoln Park Conservatory was built between 1890 and 1895 and still stands today. A fifth Chicago conservatory was built in Washington Park in 1897, only to be demolished in the 1930s. And the Oak Park Conservatory, which is still open today, was constructed in the Western suburb in 1929. The Washington Park Conservatory and Pergola. Postcard published by