Here you'll find our auditorium, Conservatory; the Garden Store stocked with locally made and environmentally items such as greeting cards, jewelry, books, garden-related merchandise for children; live and seasonal plants; library and resource center; restrooms; and access to classrooms. The institution is named for Fredrick C. Matthaei, Regent of the University of Michigan. A dedication plaque is in the lobby. The reception desk inside the main entrance is staffed during public hours.

The library and resource center is adjacent to the main lobby and is open when the front desk is staffed. There are over 2,500 books in the library focused on topics related to the Gardens and Arboretum program areas. They are available for use on-site. The catalog is online at http://library.mbgna.umich.edu.

The Visitor Center is a commission by Alden B. Dow, Architect Laureate of the state of Michigan. The building was initially designed in 1958 and was constructed in three phases ending in 1964 with substantial funding from the National Science Foundation. Its original function was to house part of the botany department and its research programs. This is one of several of Dow's buildings in Ann Arbor that has a prominent fascia (the metal panels at roof line). The others are the Ann Arbor Public Library and a private residence near Regent Court.

The building has its own podcast that was created by the Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects! Click here to download the podcast from their website!

• Access to the lobby and Garden Store is via the sidewalk in front of the building
• Access to the classrooms is from the West Lobby entrance only