Franklin Park Conservatory

History

Built in 1895, Franklin Park Conservatory is a botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. It is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and a signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Set within the 88 acres of Franklin Park, the Conservatory houses 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones and features a Victorian Palm House with more than 40 species of palms. It is surrounded by botanical gardens and floral displays.

Annual exhibitions include The Orchid Forest, Blooms and Butterflies, and Holidays at the Conservatory. The Conservatory has developed a program of world-class exhibitions by national and international artists.

In addition to a wide range of educational classes and workshops for school groups, families, and individuals, Franklin Park Conservatory also provides a valuable resource through its Growing to Green program for community gardeners.

With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.

A dynamic and multi-faceted institution, Franklin Park Conservatory is a unique and popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Ameriflora

Franklin Park and the Conservatory became the host site for AmeriFlora '92, a world-class, international horticulture exposition. In preparation for the great event, renovation of the historic structure and a $14-million expansion began. Additions totaled 58,000 square feet and included an Himalayan Collection, Lowland Rainforest, Desert, Pacific Island Water Garden, Tree Fern Forest, Tropical Cloud Forest, classrooms, library, gift shop, cafe and administrative offices. While more than one million people attended, AmeriFlora was not a financial success.

In the wake of AmeriFlora, Franklin Park Conservatory's future lay in question. However, the decision was made to hire an executive director. With a handful of dedicated staff, volunteers, and an operating budget of $500,000, the institution began to regain its identity and momentum.

Blooms and Butterflies

Franklin Park Conservatory debuted Blooms & Butterflies, becoming the first conservatory in the nation to showcase a seasonal butterfly exhibition. It was an instant success. Since then, the annual exhibition features thousands of tropical butterflies flying through the Pacific Island Water Garden. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, and other conservatories throughout the nation have followed suit.

Chihuly

In October, 2003, an exhibition of Dale Chihuly's glass artwork opened. The combination of Chihuly's vibrant colors and forms with the natural light provided by a glass house and the colors and forms of the Conservatory's plant collections brought record crowds and made a lasting impression on all who viewed it. When the exhibition closed in the summer of 2004, The Friends of the Conservatory - a private, nonprofit group - purchased most of the pieces included in that exhibition as a permanent collection for Franklin Park Conservatory. It is the largest collection owned by a conservatory or botanical garden.

Five years later, in July 2009, the full collection was once again placed on view along with three new installations by this world-renowned artist in an exhibition titled Chihuly Reimagined. New locations and configurations for the artwork allowed the collection to be viewed in new, reimagined ways.

When Chihuly Reimagined closed in late March, 2010, loaned pieces from Chihuly Studio were returned, however, a significant portion of the Conservatory's collection remains on view. Visitors can expect to find Chandeliers over the main entrance, in the John F. Wolfe Palm House, the Himalayan Mountain Biome, and Grand Atrium. Neodymium Reeds and the Sunset Tower in the Pacific Island Water Garden along with Persian Ceiling, Persian Wall, and more throughout the Conservatory. To enhance the glass experience, the Conservatory Hot Shop has reopened, providing visitors with the opportunity to watch professional gaffers create small vessels from hot, molten glass. The public is invited to participate in three-hour evening workshops to create their own piece of glass, or in a ten-week Introduction to Glassblowing class.

Growing to Green and Community Gardening

A program of Franklin Park Conservatory, Growing to Green is Columbus' largest organized effort to promote and provide free community resources for community gardening and city beautification.

Started in March 2000, Growing to Green has assisted in the start-up or renovation of more than 90 community gardens throughout the central Ohio area. While most are community gardens, others are school gardens, memorial gardens, and neighborhood beautification projects.

Through Growing to Green, the Conservatory manages two community gardens on the park grounds - the Franklin Park Demonstration Garden, which works as an educational resource and classroom for community gardeners, and the Franklin Park Community Garden, which includes community plots available to local gardeners for the Columbus and Franklin Park neighborhoods.

Since its inception, Growing to Green has risen to national acclaim and, in May 2006, Franklin Park Conservatory became the national headquarters of the AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDENING ASSOCIATION. Growing to Green is a major part of a comprehensive master plan to expand the Conservatory's facility, create more community gardens, and renovate the park's original caretakers' cottage for community gardening education. In fall of 2009, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus was completed on the southeast corner of Franklin Park. The campus serves as Growing to Green's home and provides a place where people can gather to learn, become inspired and socialize. A state-of-the-art facility, the 4-acre campus includes extensive edible demonstration gardens and over 50 gardening plots available for individuals to rent. The campus also includes the renovated Caretaker's house and an education pavilion where gardening and cooking classes are held.

Special EventsFranklin Park Conservatory's annual Hat Day luncheon brings over 600 people to the Conservatory for a day of celebration with friends, fine food and drink, a live auction and fashion show. Proceed benefit the Conservatory's education and outreach programs. Tastings on the Terrace, where guests gather for cocktails and hors d'oevres and sample fine scotch and cigars, supports the Conservatory's horticulture programs. The Conservatory's Women's Board presents From Field to table, a celebration of Ohio's harvest, to support Growing to Green and educational programming.

Education and Classes

Year round there are various classes and lectures ranging from botanical projects, watercolors, and gardening. Students and teachers and families with children can take part in many different projects.

Family Fun Saturdays are the second Saturday of every month. Kids 5 years old and up can participate with their parents or adult companions. It starts at 11AM and it is free with admission.

Cocktails at the Conservatory

Enjoy the botanically-themed featured cocktail or full bar selection along with small plate hors d'oeuvres. Live music the first Thursday of each month, from 5:30-10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and in return each guest is given $10 worth of beverage or hors d'oeuvres token.

Event Rentals

Whether you are planning a close and intimate gathering or a grand and lavish event, the Conservatory's beautiful surroundings provide an extraordinary setting. Known around Columbus as a premiere location for wedding ceremonies and receptions, the Conservatory also offers rental space for corporate receptions, meetings and business retreats and social gatherings. The Conservatory events staff is fully equipped to accommodate and coordinate all events, including on site catering.

For more information, visit the Franklin Park Conservatory Web site or call 1-800-214-PARK