Historic Toronto attraction to re-open this month after years of construction

A historic Toronto building is set to re-open its doors this month following years of construction, restoration, and upgrades. 

Known as "The Dome," the Allan Gardens Conservatory Palm House Heritage Building first opened in 1910 as the third horticultural pavilion on the site.

Designed by City of Toronto architect Robert McCallum in the Edwardian style prevalent at the time, the structure is anchored by a central 16-sided dome, hence its nickname. 

Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

The current Palm House opened following a fire that destroyed the pavilion, and most recently, the City conducted vital restoration work to preserve the building for future generations to come. 

The work included window glazing, glass cladding replacement, and the functional modernization of the ventilation and air quality systems and controls. Other renovations include the administration building, public washrooms, and park improvements. 

Construction officially began in October 2022 and wrapped up two years later. Since November, the commission process has been taking place, where the systems and building features are tested to make sure that everything works as planned. 

Now that the project has been handed over, the area in front of the building will be cleaned and the interior will be furnished, and indoor garden beds will be planted. Although the Conservatory has remained open to the public, the Palm House building has been closed for a few years now, but you'll soon be able to explore it once again. 

According to the City's website, the Palm House building is set to re-open on May 14, 2025.