The Bromeliaceae is a flowering plants species native mainly to the tropical Americas, with a few species found in the American.  In years before purchasing my own I do remember seeing them in conservatories and even hotel lobbies.  They seem to grow as a houseplant in well lite spaces.  It is possible that the plants use was like an annual.  Maybe the grower or person in charge of the displays switch the plant out when it is struggling.  Either way, the right colors and interesting shape of the bromeliads attracts me.