A fitting home for Scenic Symposium 2026

The Sept. 23-24 Scenic Symposium will take place in one of America’s most remarkable cultural and horticultural treasures: the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

Founded in 1859 by philanthropist Henry Shaw, the Garden is one of the nation’s oldest botanical gardens in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark. Today, it serves as a globally recognized center for conservation, scientific research, education, and horticultural excellence while welcoming visitors from around the world to its 79 acres of gardens and historic landscapes.

Rising above the Missouri Botanical Garden, the iconic Climatron has captivated visitors since its debut in 1960. The world’s first geodesic-dome conservatory, it combined groundbreaking architecture with advanced climate-control technology to create a tropical rainforest under glass. More than six decades later, it remains one of St. Louis’ most distinctive landmarks and a fitting symbol of innovation in the service of beauty and conservation. Photo by hakkun, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59068830

For Scenic America, the setting could not be more appropriate.

The Missouri Botanical Garden embodies many of the principles that define our mission: stewardship of natural resources, thoughtful design, public access to beauty, and a commitment to creating places that enrich people’s daily lives. From its celebrated Japanese Garden and historic architecture to its extensive conservation and research programs, the Garden demonstrates how scenic beauty, environmental stewardship, and community interests can work hand in hand.

Tower Grove House sits on the Missouri Botanical Garden grounds. Henry Shaw, a philanthropist and horticulturist, built the house in 1849. His country residence served as a headquarters for Shaw’s work on the planning and development of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Photo by Andrew Balet — Own work, CC BY 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3491878

Symposium attendees will have opportunities to experience the Garden’s grounds throughout the event, including optional tours and opportunities to explore one of the country’s premier horticultural destinations. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to a favorite place, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers an inspiring backdrop for conversations about protecting and enhancing the scenic character of America’s communities and landscapes.

We look forward to welcoming you to St. Louis this September. Register to attend Scenic Symposium 2026 today!