Tickets Menu
Fact Pages

The Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center is a place of welcome and a portal to the Missouri Botanical Garden beyond. 

Here, technology and nature work in harmony to provide a world-class guest experience. Multi-tiered entry gardens lead to a soaring lobby filled with dappled natural light, and arresting views of gardens and conservatories await just a few steps away. 

lush garden beds among in front of atrium chamber

Entry Gardens

Welcoming visitors to the Garden before they even enter the Taylor Visitor Center, the Garden's entry experience includes a dynamic, diverse landscape of species that beautifully illustrate the story of the Garden’s global mission.

light-filled visitor center lobby
William T. Kemper Lobby

The William T. Kemper Lobby provides access to updated and expanded visitor amenities—ticketing, restrooms, dining, gifts, and education spaces. All visitor services are accessible on the main floor—no steps or elevators required—with wide views of the Missouri Botanical Garden landscapes that await beyond through a southern wall entirely of glass. 

Visitors can travel from the front entrance through the Kemper Lobby to these guest amenities, then continue past the Visitor Information Desk, the Lelia J. and David N. Farr Auditorium, the Emerson Conservatory, and the Tram Shelter through both indoor and outdoor corridors. Glass walls provide breathtaking views of the landscape in all weather and seasons. 

Design elements like the zinc wall panels and terrazzo flooring with inlaid brass leaves bring in elements of the outdoors. Above, a glass structure fills the space with natural light. A custom biophilic scrim mimics the quality of light experienced when walking under a canopy of mature trees. Images of trees from the Cherbonnier English Woodland Garden inspired the unique dappled light design within the Kemper Lobby.

lecture taking place in open, airy lecture hall

Lelia J. and David N. Farr Auditorium

Conveniently located near two adjacent classrooms and the Emerson Conservatory, the Lelia J. and David N. Farr Auditorium serves as an education hub and a community meeting space. Garden visitors can stop by the Farr Auditorium for an orientation video and other virtual tours. School groups, scout groups, and community education partners can reserve both the Farr Auditorium and new meeting spaces. 

Glass walls along the auditorium corridor provide full views of the lush south gardens and inviting landscapes beyond.

Red, green, and white flowers among conservatory beds
Emerson Conservatory

The Emerson Conservatory, featuring the Orthwein Conservatory Garden, is a dazzling conservatory just steps away from the entry lobby. This airy space invites guests to explore a unique landscape of Mediterranean plants, complimenting the nearby historic Linnean House. 

Guests glimpse the lush gardens within through the conservatory’s glass walls. Visitors waiting at the adjacent Tram Shelter also enjoy views of the Emerson Conservatory display hall. Permanent beds provide year-round displays and seasonal surprises. 

The conservatory also creates a new home for our beloved annual flower shows, the Holiday Floral Show and the Orchid Show.

Woman shopping apparel in open, airy shop

Garden Gate Shop


Open during Garden operating hours and accessible with or without Garden admission, the Garden Gate Shop offers a wide selection of Garden-branded souvenirs and apparel, gifts, and plants and gardening resources.

Visit the Garden Gate Shop Online Store 

visitors dining and drinking on outdoor terrace with large glass windows in the background

Sassafras Restaurant and Cafe

Visitors can choose from a variety of dining options with ample indoor and outdoor seating at Sassafras. Sassafras Cafe offers express dining options and beverages to enjoy on the go, while Sassafras Restaurant affords visitors the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely meal. Each venue provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

Lunch Menu 

Brunch Menu 


For additional information, please contact Catering St. Louis. 

Visitors attending lecture in event center room

Bayer Event Center

The Bayer Event Center provides an unparalleled opportunity to host private and public events in a setting like no other. State-of-the-art technology is blended with modern, elegant finishes to create an exceptional venue for hundreds of seated guests. 

The Bayer Event Center includes the David T. Orthwein Event Center Lobby (pictured) and the Centene Event Hall. Natural light couples with sweeping views of the Kooyumjian Family Event Terrace and the historic Linnean House. Stunning landscapes provide the backdrop for memorable receptions, private parties, festivals, symposiums, and community events in all four seasons.

Gateway to the Garden 

The Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center was the centerpiece of the Gateway to the Garden campaign, the largest endeavor in the history of the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

The Gateway to the Garden campaign was designed to amplify the Garden's leadership as stewards of the planet and to continue meeting visitors’ growing thirst for inspiration and education.

This three-year, $100 million campaign was funded entirely through private donations with leadership gifts from many generous Garden supporters.