Perry Conservatory

The Perry Conservatory is conceived as a place of immersion—bringing visitors into close relationship with plant life from around the world. Organized around four carefully climatized biomes, the building supports endangered and climate-sensitive species while significantly expanding the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s collection and educational reach. Replacing an outdated tropical display house, the Conservatory quadruples capacity and enables year-round exhibitions independent of season or weather. As Designer of Record, Dills Architects leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers, horticultural specialists, and fabricators to coordinate highly specialized environmental systems, structure, and daylighting—maintaining stable growing conditions across distinct climates while allowing plants and experience to lead. Flexible exhibit areas and integrated event space support evolving programming, reinforcing the Conservatory’s role as both a center for conservation and a place of discovery and wonder.