Jewel Box, Saint Louis

The Jewel Box, also known as the St. Louis Floral Conservatory and the City of St. Louis Floral Display House, is a historic greenhouse located in Forest Park. It was built in 1936 by the Robert Paulus Construction Company and designed by architect William C. E. Becker. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a public horticultural facility.

One of the unique features of the Jewel Box is its five stepped, composition-covered wood roofs with clerestories, which were designed to prevent damage from frequent hailstorms. The greenhouse consists of 16,664 square feet of plate glass in over 4,000 panes, set in wood and wrought iron supports. Most of the glass is framed by copper with a verdigris patina. The building is supported by eight fixed arches, which carry the structure's weight, and there are also triangular trusses between every other arch. The ceiling is composed of wood planking.

The Jewel Box's entrance is a vestibule made of limestone, and inside the greenhouse, there is a concrete-floored balcony located across the south end. A reflecting pool lies in front of the Jewel Box's entrance. Visitors to the Jewel Box can enjoy a variety of plant displays showcasing the plants that can survive the high levels of smoke and soot within the city.

The Jewel Box's history dates back to 1913, when Nelson Cunliff became Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for St. Louis City. Due to the high levels of smoke and soot within the city, Cunliff began a survey to determine which plants could survive the conditions. He later asked John Moritz, who was in charge of the city's greenhouses, to set up a display greenhouse to showcase various plants that could survive. It is said that someone called the displays "like a jewel box", hence the name. The Jewel Box has been an important part of St. Louis history for over 80 years and continues to attract visitors from around the world.