Phipps Conservatory: “Alice in Wonderland”
An oversized watch and purple Cheshire Cat welcome visitors.
By Fern Siegel (posted May 31, 2026)
Readers of Lewis Carroll’s fantastical Alice in Wonderland have long been entranced by Alice, a young English girl who tumbles down a rabbit hole and lands in Wonderland.
There, she discovers an array of talking animals, from the Cheshire Cat and Caterpillar, to the eccentricities of The Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter. Alice’s adventures, from a bizarre tea party to playing croquet using a flamingo as a mallet, have captivated generations since 1886.
Through Sept. 27, the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh is offering a charming and inspired summer flower show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The exhibit, which pays tribute to the beloved story, begins in the Palm Court, where an oversized magic mirror features an animated Alice falling down the rabbit hole.
Designed by Jordyn Melino, associate director of exhibits, and Laura Schoch, senior plant procurement, recording and design associate, Alice is a wonder to behold.
As visitors wind their way through the Phipps’ beautifully organized journey, topiary characters of the dodo, gryphon and mock turtle appear, alongside huge botanical recreations of the the Dodo, Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat, made of preserved pink and purple reindeer moss. All are surrounded by brightly colored begonias and plants.
Various moments in the book are also featured.
The Mad Hatter readies for a tea party in the East Room amid planters that boast pink, purple, yellow and green blooms. The exhibit, created with great care, culminates in an 8-foot-tall Queen of Hearts sporting a dress of live flowers, which is nothing short of spectacular.
On select Saturdays, several rescue rabbits will even appear in the lush Tropical Forest room.
The Queen of Hearts was famous for “off with her head!”
Events that complement the exhibit include a Queens of Hearts Royal Tea, with two sittings on June 7, a Wonderland Family Fun Night July 10, and a brunch with Alice in Wonderland August 9. Tickets for all events can be purchased on the Phipps’ site.
The conservatory, anchored by an exquisite 1893 glasshouse, is a green oasis in the city. Known for its orchids, ferns and palm rooms, it sits on 15 acres. Phipps Conservatory was presented as a gift to Pittsburgh from philanthropist Henry W. Phipps.
The hookah-smoking Caterpillar challenges Alice’s identity.
Phipps Conservatory
1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA
www.phipps.conservatory.org/
412-622-6914