Franklin Park Conservatory

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio was built in 1895 and is a leader in the education of ecological awareness and horticulture.

Nestled in a 90-plus acre park 2 miles east of downtown Columbus, you'll find cascading waterfalls, beautiful flower gardens, and paths that wind throughout the park which is free to visitors all year.

AmeriFlora '92

Throughout the years the conservatory has expanded and showcased many impressive exhibits. In 1989, a 58,000 square foot addition came about in preparation for the AmeriFlora '92. This included the Himalayan Collection, Desert, Tree Fern Forest, Lowland Rainforest, Tropical Cloud Forest, and Pacific Island Water Garden. Additionally classrooms, a library, cafe, gift shop and administrative offices were built.

Blooms & Butterflies

Blooms & Butterflies debuted in 1994, and they were the first conservatory to host the seasonal butterfly exhibition in the nation. An outstanding success, Blooms & Butterflies exhibits thousands of tropical butterflies each year in the Pacific Island Water Garden.

Chihuly Exhibition

In 2003 and 2004, the Franklin Park Conservatory hosted the artworks of Dale Chihuly. The exhibition included Macchias, Ikebanas, Chandeliers, Fiori, Persians, Venetians, and Sunset Tower.

This was without a doubt a huge success. The Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the collection which includes over 3,000 pieces of Dale Chihuly's glass artworks.

They have the only public Botanical Garden in the world with Chihuly's signature artwork.

Currently four pieces of the artwork are on display. Plans are in the works for the entire collection to be seen in 2009.

Community Gardening

Community Gardening was established to develop unused or empty spaces into productive green spaces for the benefit of communities.

Approximately 18,000 community gardens now operate in urban areas and nationwide.

Growing To Green

Another program of the conservatory, Growing to Green assisted in the start up of 90 plus community gardens in Central Ohio. Most are community gardens, however there are also memorial gardens, school gardens, and community beautification projects

Two gardens are managed on the park grounds. One is the Demonstration Garden used for educational purposes and classes, and the Franklin Park Community Garden includes community plots for local gardeners for the Franklin Park neighborhoods and Columbus.

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.

Special Events

There are numerous special events throughout the year. The Antiques and Gardens Fair, the Leaf Trail, the Enchanted Express, and Holidays at the Conservatory are just a few of the annual events.

For more information, visit the Franklin Park Conservatory Web site.