SAN ANTONIO, Tex. – The San Antonio Botanical Garden is celebrating the opening of its new indoor, state-of-the art event space, The Betty Kelso Center.
This modern and elegant venue is one of the final projects of the Botanical Garden’s $40 million GROW Capital Campaign. The center is named in honor of late philanthropist Betty Stieren Kelso.
“The new Betty Kelso Center is a venue which connects guests with the splendor of nature,” said San Antonio Botanical Garden CEO Sabina Carr. “Its stunning views and expansive patio invite guests to connect with the tranquil setting of the new Greehey Lawn and our entire 38-acre urban oasis. It is a space destined to be part of our community’s legacy, and we are proud to open its doors during the Garden’s 40th anniversary year.”
The Betty Kelso Center is designed to host a variety of celebrations, from conferences, luncheons and fundraisers to quinceañeras, weddings, anniversaries, and more.
Surrounding windows, sliding glass doors, and a spacious patio overlook the beauty of the Greehey Lawn, Circle Bar Foundation Wisteria Arbor, John L. Santikos Fountain of the Ferns, and mature oak trees.
The 3,500-square-foot new facility also features spacious lobby; two green rooms; banquet seating for 250 and lecture seating for 350; top-of-the-line audio visual equipment; outdoor speakers; full catering kitchen; and wheelchair accessibility.
The Betty Kelso Center is a LEED Gold-certified venue. The sinker cypress material used for the ceiling was sourced from logs recovered from the bottom of lakes and rivers, and Karst limestone found along Texas rivers is featured throughout the building. The Betty Kelso Center, Greehey Lawn, and John L. Santikos Fountain of Ferns were designed by Ten Eyck Landscape Architects.
The health and safety of guests, staff, and the collection of plants remain top priority at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The Betty Kelso Center offers room for safe, socially distanced events, as well as the latest technology for live streaming.
Health and safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the City of San Antonio are always strictly followed.
