Click here to see a brief video highlighting the Piper Palm House
Click here to see a slideshow of the Piper Palm House

Constructed in 1878, the Palm House is the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River and the most historically significant building in Tower Grove Park. The Palm House was built to house the park's ornamental tropical plants, which decorated the park lawns during the summer and were displayed inside the building during the winter.

Over the years, greenhouse functions moved to other buildings and the Palm House was closed to the public and used as a garage and storage shed. The building suffered from a prolonged lack of maintenance. In 1992, a campaign was started to stabilize and restore the Palm House exterior. In late 1996, the Park's Board of Commissioners approved a plan to completely renovate the 3,800 square foot interior of this architectural gem, and adapt it for public use once again. The $1 million dollar campaign provided for complete restoration, including the addition of new heating, cooling and electrical systems allowing for year-round use, day or night. The building was renamed The Piper Palm House due to the support from the principal donors to the project, the late Vernon W. and Marion K. Piper.

A variety of tropical plants, including palms, ine the original red brick walks, and surround the six original marble musicians' busts that formerly graced the nearby Music Stand. The Piper Palm House is enhanced with stone central flooring, historic-design lighting, and the handsome Lichtenstein fountain urn displayed in the center of the gallery.

Outside the front doors, visitors can enjoy the newly refurbished Stupp Plaza, which overlooks beautifully landscaped lily ponds.

The indoor seating capacity of The Piper Palm House is a comfortable 150 with use of provided round tables and chairs.   More guests can be accommodated at standing events or with combined use of the building and plaza.   A year round brunch/buffet, Café Madeleine, is offered on Sundays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, and is increasingly popular as a refreshing oasis for Park visitors.

The Piper Palm House, with its distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling and stately windows, is the perfect venue for any social gathering, whether it be a wedding or a birthday party.   The plants, which are permanent fixtures in the building, make it a truly magnificent and beautiful place to hold a celebration.

Newly enhanced carriage service can be combined with The Piper Palm House events for an enjoyable and unusual treat.

Comparable to the Kensington Orangery in London or the Pavilion du Lac at Parc Buttes-Chaumont in Paris, The Piper Palm House provides an ambiance unlike any in the region.

The Piper Palm House and Stupp Plaza are available for reserved use.

Rules and regulations:

• Discounts are available for Friends of Tower Grove Park members.   Additional fees will apply on holidays.  

• Reservation fees include exclusive use of The Piper Palm House and Stupp Plaza, setup and breakdown of 60" round tables and white wooden chairs, parking, and security for ceremonies and evening events.
  
• Reservation fees do not include food, beverages, linens, music or other special services. Butler's Pantry is the exclusive Piper Palm House caterer.   For menus and pricing on food and beverage, call Bridget at Butler's Pantry at 314-664-7680.

The Piper Palm House was created to house exotic varieties of tropical plants, including palms. The Park Director, John Karel has carefully planned and executed every step to preserve this landmark for the future generations.

In 2008 David Knoll the foremost tropical plant and palm expert was contacted to design an original and unique look. The new design captures the founder’s imaginative intent. The exotic plants have been gathered from all around the world. Click here to take a moment and browse the gallery.

Please consider a visit or hosting an event in this tropical paradise. Bring your camera to savor the moment. Walter Knoll Florist can design and maintain a plant paradise for you.

For more information, please contact:
The Rental Program at 314-771-4410, or via email piperph@towergrovepark.org.

Looking for that specail place to stay around the Park? Why not try the Fleur-De-Lys Manion located just minutes from the Park and selected as one of the 2009 "Top 10 Most Romantic inns of the Year".