Caption: Newly finished lily pools. The new pools were lined up with Flora Ave. which had been redone as it exists today. The original Main Gate is visible in the background and is lined up with the location of the old Flora Blvd. Popular Searches Henry Shaw Orchids Lilies Climatron®

Take a stroll through time...

...and explore nearly two centuries of images that document the creation and the development of the Missouri Botanical Garden. You will be greeted by ladies with parasols, children in their beautiful nineteenth century clothing, and even the Garden's founder, Henry Shaw.

In these historical images you will see many buildings and gardens which today's visitor might recognize but many which are now changed, or lost forever.

More than five hundred images are available for viewing and are taken from the Garden Archives. These include glass plate negatives, hand-tinted prints, stereographs, postcards and manuscripts.

Begin your journey by searching this database directly, browsing the subject list or reading the historical timeline.

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to visit this bygone era filled with beauty and splendor.