Edmonton's Muttart Conservatory celebrates 40 years

The plant-filled pyramids that make up the Muttart Conservatory are some of the most iconic and photographed spots in Edmonton. As the conservatory turns 40, a month of celebrations are planned, including a 'best of' show with props from some of the most memorable displays over the years.

From homemade props to elaborate sets with lights, motors and waterfalls: 'Weve come quite a long ways'

Adrienne Lamb CBC News Posted: Sep 10, 2016 9:30 AM EDT | Last Updated: September 10, 2016

Edmonton's Muttart Conservatory turning 40

8 years ago

2:08

Longtime conservatory staff member James McIvor gives us a tour the feature pyramid showcasing their 40 year history.

For James McIvor, taking a stroll through the feature pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory is a walk down memory lane.

McIvorhas worked at the conservatory for36 years anda new display reflectingthemes at the venue since in opened in September 1976 brings back a flood of memories.

James McIvor poses in front of the orchid and chrysanthemum anniversary cake in the feature pyramid. (John Robertson)

"We've done Greek shows, we've done Paris, love from Paris, Chinese New Year," he said,pointingto a mermaid floating next to some Victorian lilies from TheOctopus's Garden exhibit back in 2010.

The blast from the pastexhibit runsuntil Oct. 2.

The view of Edmonton from the roof of the Muttart Conservatory. (Adrienne Lamb)

McIvorrecallsin the beginning, the props displayed alongside the plants weren't nearly as elaborate as they are today.

"The first Christmas was the ice queen's castle and we actually had to ask staff to bring toilet paper rolls to build it and put it together," rememberedMcIvor. "We've come quite a ways".

The conservatory was built as a memorial to Edmonton entrepreneurs Gladys and Merrill Muttart.

Fundingcame from The Muttart Foundation established by the couple back in the 1950s.

The foundation donated $1 millioncovering half the cost of the initial construction.

Gladys and Merrill Muttart portraits hang in the Muttart Conservatory. (John Robertson)

Sarah Birmingham recalls walking from Riverdale Elementary School in Grade 2 to see the Muttart for the very first time.

"My brother got married here threeyears ago. It was the sword in the stone show," saidBriningham, who's spent the last fiveyears as a grower at the conservatory.

One of Birmingham's more pungent memories isthe blooming of Putrella, the so-called corpse flower.

"The conservatory was the first in western Canada to have an eight-foot-tall flower bloom in our presents," she said.

More than 6,000people lined up to get a whiff of the stinky plant for themselves.

Muttart staff installing the palm trees in the tropical pyramid in 1976. (Jim McGillis)

Birmingham expectscrowds to return for the 40th anniversary show this month.

The celebration includesa disco ball flashback dance party in the feature pyramid Saturdayfrom 10a.m.to 2 p.m. at 9626 96a Street.

If you want to see more from the Muttart Conservatory watch Our Edmonton Sunday at 5 p.m. and 11a.m.on Monday on CBC TV.

Muttart grower Sarah Birmingham in front of a motorised polar bears made of 7,000 flowers in December of 2014. (John Robertson)

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