Cambridge, Massachusetts
Glass Garden at Harvard Museum of Natural History
Cactus (yes, that’s really glass) blue iris, rhododendron, mountain laurel, water lily, orchids, red maple, goldenrod and coffee plant — the Glass Flowers of Harvard are always in bloom. Called “the Sistine Chapel of the glass world,” over 840 scientifically accurate, life-size plant species were crafted by father and son glass artists Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka from 1887 through 1936 in their studio near Dresden, Germany. A restoration effort is underway, but the majority of the collection will continue to be on display. Open: 9 am – 5 pm daily. Closed on major holidays. [ info ]