Established in 1867, the Durfee Conservatory is a historic glasshouse complex nestled in the heart of the UMass Amherst campus. Comprising five distinct sections (Tropical, Epiphyte/Vine, Succulents, Bonsai/Camellia, and Collections) each house offers a unique botanical experience. The Tropical House, the largest of the five, features a 4,000-gallon fish pond traversed by a wooden bridge, surrounded by a variety of tropical and subtropical plants, including banana trees, rubber trees, and bird of paradise .

The conservatory’s design emphasizes functionality and durability, with an all-metal alloy frame, automatic temperature controls, and individual climate settings for each section . This serene oasis serves as both an educational resource and a tranquil retreat for students and visitors alike, offering a year-round escape into diverse plant biomes.