Climatron

The Climatron is a greenhouse with a geodesic dome structure made from aluminum tubes and rods. The roof comprises thousands of glass panes arranged in a carefully designed pattern that lets sunlight flood the interior.

The greenhouse opened in 1960, designed by architects Murphy and Mackey using Buckminster Fuller's geodesic principles and was a pioneering air-conditioned structure of its time. It represented a major milestone in how botanical gardens approached plant conservation.

The name reflects its role in controlling climate and recreating tropical environments for plant growth. Visitors walk through dense vegetation with moist air, experiencing a jungle-like setting that brings distant rainforests to their doorstep.

A computerized climate control system maintains constant tropical conditions year-round, keeping the interior warm and humid. The moist environment may leave condensation on glasses and clothes, so light layers are recommended for comfort.

The structure requires no interior support columns, with the geodesic dome itself bearing the entire load to create an open floor plan. The glass panes feature a special heat-retaining coating that reduces energy loss and lowers operating costs.

Location: St. Louis

GPS coordinates: 38.61410,-90.25890

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57