MOBOT opens new visitor center

This year the Missouri Botanical Garden opened its brand-new Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. The project was funded by the Gateway to the Garden campaign, which raised $100 million through private donations. The 94,000-square foot center has a new lobby, expanded gift shop, meeting rooms and an updated restaurant.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a great example of what public and private partnerships can do together to enrich our region.

The Garden is part of the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District (ZMD), which began operations in 1972. The ZMD was created when St. Louis County and City residents voted to authorize this tax district to support financially struggling cultural institutions. Other cultural institutions that are also supported by taxpayers through the ZMD are Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and the Saint Louis Zoo.

ZMD = Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District