RPG IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN SUPPORT OF EFFORTS TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
750 E. 88th Street, Cleveland, OH 44108
RockefellerParkGreenhouse & Botanical Garden
750 E. 88th Street, Cleveland, OH 44108 | 216-664-3103
Directions | Hours | Facebook
Gargoyles at RPG!
Gargoyles from the Old Euclid Avenue Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad (Picture-1)
In addition to its treasure trove of plants and flowers, RPG is home to some unique art objects--including gargoyles. Picture-1 features a display of terra cotta gargoyles from the former Euclid Avenue Station, which was a stop along the old Pennsylvania Railroad route. The pieces were moved to RPG when the station was demolished in the 1970s.
About Gargoyles
Gargoyles were common architectural features for thousands of years. Their spouts diverted rainwater away from buildings, thereby preventing mortar erosion. Later, especially in movies, gargoyles became associated with fantastical creatures.
Dedication Plaque (Picture-2)
The Pennsylvania Railroad was part of the Conrail network, which included the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and the New York Central Railroad. The Cleveland operations dated back to 1836. (Encyclopedia of Cleveland History)
The plaque states in part, "Gargoyles and Mementos from the Old Pennsylvania Railroad Euclid Avenue Station 1901-1973."
Full Display (Picture-3)
The display (just one of many at RPG) is artfully mounted on the panels of a brick wall near the entrance to the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse indoor showroom.
Gargoyle hunting is a favorite pastime of many architectural enthusiasts. Today, with the destruction of so many older buildings, architectural gargoyles are becoming extinct. However, gargoyle statutes are popular focal points in gardens and retreats. RPG is happy to preserve and host this fine collection of Cleveland's own gargoyles.
Support and Giving
Join, Donate, or Gift a Membership in 2021
Your support provides much needed assistance in enabling the Friends of Greenhouse to continue programs and services, especially during this challenging time.
Ways to help:
- Download a form today and become a Friends of Greenhouse (FOG) member.
- Buy an inscribed brick (name of your choice) that will be placed in the Willott Iris Garden.
- Make a donation; no matter how small donations are deeply appreciated.
- Purchase a gift membership (for when RPG reopens). It will provide lasting memories.
Tap the Membership Levels button below for details.
RPG Online
RPG staff, Friends of Greenhouse, and volunteers are maintaining gardens and displays. We look forward to welcoming you back after COVID-19 has subsided.
the WILLOTT IRIS GARDEN
ANTHONY (TONY) and DOROTHY WILLOTT
RPG is home to the award winning Willott Iris Garden, a beloved legacy of iris experts Tony and Dorothy Willott. (Photo courtesy Median Iris Society)
Download the Bloom Season 2020 Report
Discover us
Friends of Greenhouse (FOG)
FOG is a not-for-profit group that supports Greenhouse activities including the Garden’s beautiful plant displays and essential educational programs.
About the Greenhouse
A Cleveland gem, the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is a City-owned botanical garden and greenhouse that is open to the public seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Admission is free.
Gardens and Displays
Situated on four peaceful and lush acres, the Greenhouse features a variety of specialty plant collections, seasonal floral displays, and spectacular theme gardens-- including the Betty Ott Talking Garden for the Blind.