Behind the scenes of The Crystal Gardens

Posted in Venue; Tagged Crystal Gardens; Posted 9 months ago Less than a minute to read

The Crystal Gardens is a gorgeous indoor, one-acre botanical garden open to the public and available for private events, like weddings and more, conveniently located at Navy Pier! Walk through the front entrance and through the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, take the staircase up, and the garden awaits. Learn more about this tranquil getaway at Navy Pier with this behind-the-scenes guide to Crystal Gardens.

The Crystal Gardens at night with the Wheel glowing in the background

By the Numbers

Six story glass atrium
50 foot arched ceiling
80 live palm trees
Lush foliage
Twinkling lights
Dancing ‘leapfrog’ fountains

A man gets on one knee to propose in the Crystal Gardens

Proposals

The Crystal Gardens, with its privacy, beauty and tranquility, is an amazing spot to propose to your special someone. Navy Pier would be honored to share that memory with you and your future fiancé!

Friends snap a quick selfie in the Crystal Gardens

Instagram Photo Spots

Looking to show off your best look on Instagram? The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier is a unique and lush setting to take an eye-catching photograph. We bet your followers will be intrigued!

Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier set for an event

Corporate & Social Events

If you are hosting a corporate function or an upcoming wedding, the Crystal Gardens combines the wonder of the outdoors and comfort of the indoors. Beautiful palm trees, lights and fountains all provide a gorgeous, natural backdrop. The Gardens can accommodate groups of 100 to 1,500 guests. Each event is individually planned by a sales and catering representative to ensure a customized menu and a unique experience!

Learn More

A group poses for a photo at the Navy Pier New Year's Eve Party

Venue

The Crystal Gardens has played host to many exciting events in Chicago throughout the years! The Crystal Gardens New Year’s Eve Party rings in the next year in style with tons of guests, fabulous dresses and outfits, delicious food, champagne and more. Navy Pier’s free arts and cultural programming also occur in the gardens, such as indoor music series, fitness classes and more programming.

Discover More

We hope this behind-the-scenes guide has gotten you excited to visit this unique spot at the Pier. What else will you discover when you visit? Check out everything there is to do, from dining and retail to events, on our home page!

Back to Articles

About Navy Pier

More Than You Imagine

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.

Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2020, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.