Fragrance: The Allure and Magical History of Perfumes | After Hours at the Conservatory

If you've never experienced the Conservatory of Flowers after dark, join us after hours on December 5th for the first After Hours event of Boomtown: The Barbary Coast at the Conservatory of Flowers. This winter's annual garden railway explores the bawdy side of San Francisco history, traveling back in time to the Gold Rush.

"Cult darling of the Underworld" composer/singer/storyteller Jill Tracy returns to the Conservatory of Flowers to celebrate the release of her exquisite, haunting holiday CD Silver Smoke, Star of Night. And she will indulge the senses––unveiling her collaborative fragrance line with San Francisco's Nocturne Alchemy.

Certain plants and perfumes have become an honored holiday tradition, from mistletoe and holly to frankincense and myrrh. The Magi's gift of choice! Jill Tracy discusses the magical history of fragrance with master perfumer Emerson Hart of Nocturne Alchemy. You'll get a chance to see and smell some of these essences in their raw form and sample many exquisite perfumes, learn their secrets, and what goes into creating the perfect concoction. Perfumers were an integral part of the ancient Egyptian culture. Royal courtiers anointed themselves with fragrant oils, and incense and oils were burned in offering to their gods. Legend has it that Cleopatra ordered her servants to perfume the sails of her royal barge so the breezes that propelled it would also waft a gorgeous scent in its wake. Our sense of smell is tied directly and intimately to the part of our brain most involved with memory and emotion.

We'll open up the tropical plant galleries and the Barbary Coast exhibit for you and set up bars along the way as you enjoy the beauty of the greenhouse after dark. As a special treat, we'll explore the fragrance, ritual and history of perfume, one of the most sensual byproducts of plants. The focus of her new album, Jill Tracy will be performing a full concert featuring Christmas songs from the new album, as well as her other works. CDs and perfumes will be available at the show, and the Conservatory’s Gift Shop will be open, for all your holiday shopping needs!

6 pm - 10 pm
Price: $13 general public / $7 Conservatory of Flowers Members; 21+ only | Must show valid ID at the ticketbooth.

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