Arts & Architecture

Complementing the Gardens with Art and Architecture

Reiman Gardens is more than beautiful plants and intriguing insects. It’s also filled with outstanding architecture, sculpture and other works of art. The Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing itself is interesting architecture, designed in the shape of a butterfly.

Over the years the Gardens has also collected many works of art that are integrated throughout the grounds. For descriptions of each piece of art and its location, click here.

Many of the Gardens’ other structures are designed in the Prairie School of architecture made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Prairie School is most common in the Midwest usually marked by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs, broad overhanging eaves, and use of natural materials.

Buildings in the Gardens include …

Conservatory Complex

— The visitor entrance to Reiman Gardens is through the Conservatory Complex. This building includes the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, Gift Shop, Butterfly Lab which houses the butterfly emergence chamber, Production Greenhouse, Staff Offices, Conservatory and Garden Room.

Mahlstede Building

— The oldest structure at Reiman Gardens, the Mahlstede Building houses a conference room, classroom and the Speer Room. The Speer Room is often considered one of the most beautiful rooms in Iowa with sweeping views of the Gardens. There are a wide variety of meeting and events held in this building.

Marge Hunziker House

— Located in the center of the Town and Country Garden, the Hunziker House is a favorite venue for meetings, retreats and weddings.