A Papaya Tree In Edmonton at The Muttart Conservatory -

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It was a friend’s birthday recently, and one thing she wanted to do was visit to The Muttart Conservatory. Built in 1976 by Peter Hemingway, The Muttart consists of four large glass pyramids and a smaller pyramid in the middle. The main four pyramids have different plants from around the world. The smaller central pyramid is where the foyer area is. I’d visited the Muttart before but it had been about 15 years, so I was looking forward to going back. It was a gray, and somewhat cool Wednesday morning in March when we went.

An aerial view of the iconic pyramids of The Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton. This was a photo I took a few years back; not on my most recent visit.

The four main pyramids, represent a different biomes, temperate, tropical, arid, and the fourth is a feature pyramid that changes every few months. I’ve learned, especially after living in Ireland, how much I enjoy being in nature, around plants and greenery. Unfortunately, Edmonton’s climate means greenery (aside from evergreen trees) doesn’t last very long (May to October if you’re lucky). And I have the opposite of a green thumb for caring for plants. So a visit to The Muttart, where you can see and be around plants and smell some of the flowers, in March, when the trees are still bare is pretty awesome.

Before we got to the main pyramids in the central pyramids was this incredible glass art by local artist Keith Walker.

During our visit, the Feature Pyramid focused on Mars, showcasing a replica of the planet (right photo) by Luke Jerram, featuring surface imagery from NASA photos. Since Mars is “the red planet,” the display also featured an array of red plants and flowers (left photo).

This is a Flamingo Flower. Another red flower in the Feature Pyramid.

This is a Moon Orchid. There were several different types of orchids at the Muttart.

These are Magnolias. I’ve learned that Magnolia flowers are edible (apparently taste like ginger) but don’t eat the plants at the Muttart because we want other people to see the pretty flowers and plants.

Bird of Paradise. This flower looked so cool.

Not just plants. There’s a terrarium with some frogs. I call this one Kermit.

Let’s just pretend we’re somewhere not freezing cold and snowing. Just ignore the gnome and pretend.

This is a jellybean plant for obvious reasons – the obvious reason is that it looks like a bunch jelly beans. Don’t eat this plant.

The ever elusive Papaya Tree. I did ask a staff member if they sell papaya fruit but unfortunately no. Some of the edible fruits have been used by the cafe onsite Cafe Bloom.

The Muttart is a nice place to visit. Despite being in a Tropical Environment for a little bit if you’re visiting in Winter (or Fall or Spring because Edmonton can be snowy and cold then) I’d recommend still wearing a jacket (there’s lockers available) and maybe have have a sweater.

Things To Know
The Muttart Conservatory is 9626 – 96A Street in Edmonton, Alberta. Free parking is available or you can take the LRT (Valley Line) to the Muttart Stop. Admission (as of March 2025) is $14.95 for adults, $12.95 Youth/Senior, $7.75 for children 2 to 12, and children under 2 free. The Muttart is open from 10am to 5pm most days, with extended hours until 9pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Holiday hours may vary. For more information visit their website.

If you are visiting Edmonton and looking for a hotel for your stay you can book one here.

Have you been to The Muttart Conservatory?