Mitchell Park Domes Horticultural Conservatory
The Mitchell Park Domes is a living plant museum featuring a permanent collection of more than 1,800 plant species representing ecosystems from around the world. Its mission is to inspire people through the power of plants, supporting the Milwaukee County vision to become the healthiest county in Wisconsin. This work is deeply supported by research showing that plants and green spaces provide significant mental wellness benefits. Join us in nurturing this vital resource—visit the Domes, get involved, and help us grow a healthier, more connected community.
Visiting Hours
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Only closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
Last admission is one hour before close
Free Parking
Sticker Wednesdays
Visit the Mitchell Park Domes on Wednesdays to get your free show-themed sticker with paid admission (while supplies last)
Accessibility+ Information
Wheelchair Accessible: The tropical dome and desert dome have paved pathways and the show dome has a paved brick pathway. The grade can be challenging for persons using manual wheelchairs and walkers. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available for use while at the Conservatory. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mobility devices, as the number of complimentary wheelchairs is limited and are loaned out on a first come first served basis.
Service Animals: Pets are not allowed in the Conservatory. Service animals that assist individuals with disabilities and comply with the Milwaukee County ADA Service Animal Procedure are welcome in the Conservatory.
Sign Language Interpreters: Individuals needing a sign language interpreter should contact Domes staff in order to request an interpreter for a future visit date.
KultureCity Sensory Kits: Sensory bags are designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children. Each bag is filled with items, including headphones and fidget gadgets, that can help lessen sensory overload. Bags are available to use for free, request one at the fee booth. Bag items are cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses.
Aira Services for Blind and Low Vision: The Mitchell Park Domes offers Aira users free access to Aira services while visiting the domes and surrounding grounds. For more information about Aira, visit www.aira.io.
Mamava Lactation Pod: A private, secure lactation pod for breastfeeding moms on-the-go is available in the Dome's atrium, providing a convenient space for women pumping or nursing.
Summer Show: Glass Under Glass
June 6 - September 7
Discover Summer's brightest showcase as the Show Dome becomes a flowing gallery of color and reflection. Glass Under Glass features more than a dozen stained-glass and hand-painted artworks set within a vibrant horticultural display of coleus, petunias, vinca, lantana, and more. This immersive garden installation transforms the dome into a living kaleidoscope of Summer color and light. Experience the season's brilliance - visit the Show Dome this Summer and let art and nature inspire your senses.
Show Highlights
Summer Flower Fest: A Family Fun Fest: Join us for a unique and exciting event, Flower Fest, where you can enter a whimsical, floral world of bright colors and scents, and enjoy the plants of The Domes. Get ready for a morning filled with fun activities inspired by our pollinator friends, hosted by the Milwaukee Domes Alliance.
June 24th: 9 a.m. to noon
Storytime: Visit us every Wednesday morning for storytime hosted by the Milwaukee Domes Alliance.
Wednesdays: 10 to 10:30 a.m.
Bilingual Storytime: Visit us on the last Wednesday of every month for bilingual storytime hosted by the Milwaukee Domes Alliance.
July 29th: 10 to 10:30 a.m.
August 26th: 10 to 10:30 a.m.
View the all events and programs calendar through Milwaukee Domes Alliance
Floral Show Dome
Five times a year the Floral Dome transforms with unique, themed shows. Come experience Spring, Summer and Fall flowers, the annual train show and the annual Holiday Winter show.
Desert Dome
Explore the deserts of Africa, Madagascar, South America and North America. Snap a selfie by giant cacti, seek out succulents, agave and more.
Tropical Dome
Step into the steamy rainforest and transport yourself to another world. As you explore the jungle, look for coffee beans, cocoa pods, bananas and even sausage fruit! You'll find 1,200 species of plants in this dome.
Admission
- Open year-round. Floral dome closes for installation in-between shows.
- No re-entry permitted.
- Includes access to the Milwaukee Domes Alliance Education Center (hours limited)
- Admission prices are per entry and are payable at the door only; no online ticket sales.
| Daily Pass | County Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (age 18 to 59) | $9 | $10 |
| Senior (age 60+) | $6.50 | $10 |
| Junior (age 3 to 12) | $6.50 | $6.50 |
| Ages 0 to 2 | Free | Free |
| Adult Group of 20+ (per person) | $7 | $8 |
| Junior Group of 20+ (per person) | $5 | $5 |
| Student (of any age) | $6.50 | $6.50 |
| Military Veteran or Active Duty | $6.50 | $6.50 |
| Person with Disability | $6.50 | $6.50 |
| DMA or AHS* Member | Free | Free |
*Note: Each AHS card will admit only the individual whose name is listed on the card and one other person. In the case of a family, couple, or household membership card that does not list individual names, the Domes will admit a total of two of the members. A photo ID is required.
Permits & Policies
The Mitchell Park Domes are one of Milwaukee's most photogenic destinations. To ensure a positive experience for you, while maintaining a pleasant experience for our many visitors, please be aware of the rules and guidelines that follow and apply for a permit, if applicable:
- Stay on the pathways. Do not enter flower beds, plant displays, or mulched areas. Do not disturb or remove plants, plant labels, or containers.
- A formal photography permit must be purchased to take photos or video including, but not limited to the following: Wedding, engagement, maternity, quinceañera, graduation, prom, homecoming, family portrait, student project, portfolio; and any posed photos using the Domes as a backdrop and/or requiring special attire. Marriage proposals require a one-hour photo permit; exchange of vows or wedding ceremonies require a Daytime Wedding Ceremony Permit. This applies to photos or video captured on any device, by any person regardless of whether they are an amateur or professional photographer. Photo permits are always at the discretion of Domes management.
- A commercial photography permit must be purchased to take photographs including, but not limited to: advertising, art, fashion/glamour photography, and/or any other photography using final images in the stream of commerce.
- No tripods or drones are permitted inside the Domes without specific permit permission.
- Any use of drones on Milwaukee County Parks property, requires a filming permit:
- Drones may not be flown within 50 feet of the Mitchell Park Domes or greenhouses.
- Drones may not be flown within 25 feet of people.
Timeline
The independent non-profit, the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, promotes conservatory history and bloom timelines occuring in the Domes.
Corpse Flower Bloom Timeline (coming soon)
Support
The independent non-profit, the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, provides financial and programmatic support to the Domes.
Travel Alert
The 27th Street Viaduct is closed long-term. Taking I-94 either east or west to the Domes, exit 35th Street and take that south to Greenfield Ave. Head east to 27th Street (Layton Blvd), then north to the Domes. Please note that the eastbound on-ramp to I-94 at 35th Street is closed. 27th Street is open heading north to the Domes.
524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215
(414) 257-5600