St. Louis' Architectural Garden Oasis: The Jewel Box
Lush Vegetation & Stunning Architectural Design Offer a Respite From Daily Life
Move over Tiffany & Co., St. Louis has its own Jewel Box and it beat you to the punch by nearly 100 years. I’ve been wanting to photograph this St. Louis architectural garden for a long time. With a interior landscape renovation having taken place this year, it was time to go for a visit.
The Jewel Box, an Art Deco-style greenhouse located in Forest Park, St. Louis, is a locally significant architectural landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1936 and operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, it showcases cantilevered, vertical glass walls reaching 50 feet high.
The Jewel Box underwent a notable $3.5 million renovation in 2002, led by the nonprofit conservancy Forest Park Forever. As part of the 2023 renovation, over 540 plants were handpicked by Roel Ventura of Ambius, an interior landscapes company, alongside an Ambius team, led by Marvin Storner. The Jewel Box’s name, originates from the flower shows held in the park’s greenhouses, symbolizes the beauty and elegance of its design.
Good Things Come in Pairs.. Another St. Louis Architectural Garden
One cannot praise the architectural and landscaping of Jewel Box in St. Louis without also mentioning the Missouri Botanical Garden, a renowned botanical oasis that complements the Jewel Box with its extensive collection of plants, serene gardens, and educational exhibits, offering visitors a comprehensive botanical adventure in the heart of St. Louis. The Missouri Botanical Garden is so amazing, it in fact deserves its own post.
This is because the Botanical Gardens offers an entirely different experience than the Jewel Box. Where the Jewel Box is tranquil, the expansive Botanical Gardens are awe-inspiring. This image is just a teaser of my impromptu visit. Between the perfect weather and ongoing Chihuly exhibit I was compelled to seize the opportunity to check things out. Unexpectedly, my camera battery died shortly after capturing the photograph below. In the end, I found it to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the gardens and exhibit, which were exceptionally beautiful. I look forward to returning for more photographs in the future.