One of Edmonton's few redeeming qualities. Visiting the Muttart is like being transported to another, more pleasant region and climate. Very well maintained gardens; worth a membership if you find the city intolerable.
The Muttart is a set of 4 glass pyramids with a different climate in each pyramid. It is neat to walk through the desert setting and then the wetlands, etc. Also a good place to have a wedding.
Went here on a cold morning, was pleasantly surprised,at the number of plants and the displays. The Christmas display with all the poinsettias was stunning. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and nothing was to much for them. A great day out the gardening freaks!!!
The place is beautiful, if you are going by bus you should plan your route since is a bit too far from the nearest bus stop and you probably have to walk a long distance through snow, once inside the place is beautiful, make sure you bring your camera since there are a lot of plants an beautiful trees, the place is divided in 4 small pyramids that have different biomes, however the place is not really big so don't be disappointed, keep in mind that this biomes have to survive the cold weather in winter. there is a cafeteria, really good food but a bit expensive. the price is something like 12 cad and you can take pictures without tripod.
We were in Edmonton on business and visited the AGA and Muttart on one day. I enjoyed being indoors and in a glass structure on a beautiful, sunny winter day. The conservatory is interesting but I wish it was larger and there was more to see. There were several people working on the gardens and they were friendly and answering questions from other visitors.
It is all about the plants. 4 pyramids, each one with a different ecosystem, arid, temperate, tropical and a feature one. When we were there recently the feature was Chinese New Year and it had many plants and trees that are of importance to the Chinese community, along with lanterns, dragons and all the colourful banners that you would expect. There is lots to see in the different pyramids and every visit my wife and I see something new and unexpected. It is a great way to spend an hour or two.
Ok so I'm biased, I used to have a leisure access pass and go here all the time in summer. I really do love everything about it. The trips are always very educational and I love plants. Especially the succulents.
The buildings themselves were the highlight of this visit. Each of the pyramids have plants of a different climate, and everything's labeled. Nice school field-trip venue. Good place for locals to make a tradition for holiday visits. If you absolutely love seeing plants and flowers, you'll probably like the Muttart Conservatory.But there's nothing especially "Edmonton" about the Muttart Conservatory. Most disappointing: Freezing day and I wanted to have a coffee at the "restaurant" in the conservatory before heading back out into the snow. They refused to seat my 13-year-old and I saying "This is a sit-down restaurant, not a coffee shop." The restaurant was nearly empty.
If you haven't been here it is an affordable option for something to do with your family, as a couple or with a friend. Each "pavilion" contains a different theme and if you take your time going through them you notice many cool things that you wouldn't have if just going through the motions of walking through. I will go again in a year or so to see what has changed.
We have visited here a few years ago. This time it was one of the photo venues for our daughters wedding. What a wonderful spot and such great people who looked after us. Our daughter had booked the Muttart from 1:00 to 2:30 for mostly family photos since it would be warm and had a big enough area for all of us. Unfortunately things conspired against us and we did not arrive until 1:30. The Conservatory staff were very gracious about our tardiness and we were allowed the full time that was booked for. We had a person assigned to us to make sure things ran smoothly. He made sure the Rainforest area had a sign put up that informed the rest of the public that pictures were being taken. It gave the public a heads up and they were very good about staying out of our way. I have forgotten the name of the gentleman from the conservatory who helped us but a very big Thank You to you. It was worth the money that was spent to rent the time at the conservatory. All the family members who were in the photos got free admission to the conservatory so they were able to look at the rest of the Muttart once the family photos were finished and the wedding party moved on to the next venue. I would hardily recommend the Muttart for a visit and a venue for pictures at a wedding.