San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Halsell Conservatory

Separate gardens for roses, herbs, and native plants are found within these 38-acre gardens. The centerpiece here is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory*, a 90,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece designed by Emilio Ambasz, formerly Curator of Design at New York's Museum of Modern Art.

The Halsell Conservatory departs from the house-shape of typical conservatories, relying instead on conical and triangular roof shapes.

To take advantage of the cooling effect of the earth during hot Texas summers, the greenhouse is built 16 feet underground. Separate structures showcase palm trees from around the world, desert plants, and tropical foliage.

Location: 555 Funston Place