菲普斯提出了作为礼物的城市匹兹堡慈善家亨利·w·菲普斯,不愿“勃起[将]证明指令的来源以及快乐的人。”Designed by Lord & Burnham, a New York-based greenhouse manufacturer, for a fee of $100,000, the glasshouse, consisting of nine display rooms, was completed in August 1893, one year after construction began. On Dec. 7, 1893, Phipps Conservatory opened to the public, showcasing many plants originating from the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After its founding, Henry Phipps continued to serve as the Conservatory's benefactor until his death in 1930 at the age of 91.