Elector William II had the large greenhouse constructed for his varied collection of exotic plants from 1822 onwards. The graceful building was one of the earliest steel and glass structures in Europe. A cleverly designed heating system kept the temperatures on the inside comfortable all winter long. The non-hardy plants could spend the winter here. The elector also used the building as a venue for prestigious events: he received his guests for tea in the circular building in the middle (the salon) to show off his valuable collection of plants. The middle building was given its current rectangular shape in the course of conversion works in 1888 or thereabouts. In consequence, the tropical plants also moved to the new middle building.

During the winter season (from 1 November), the greenhouse's visitors can still admire a riot of colours provided by orchids, palm trees, camellias, bananas and other exotic plants. In the spring, some of the more ornamental plants are traditionally moved to the outside and displayed throughout the Bergpark.