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Franklin Park Conservatory
Originally built in 1895, the Franklin Park Conservatory is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and spectacular Chihuly artworks.
The conservatory contains more than 400 plant species including collections of: Himalayan Mountains, Tropical Rainforest, Desert, Succulent Patio, Bonsai Courtyard, Pacific Island Water Garden, Showhouse with orchid and tropical bonsai collections, and Palm House with more than 40 species of palms.
The conservatory is set within Franklin Park off of East Broad Street, and surrounded by 90 acres of outdoor botanical gardens and green space. A single glance at the original Victorian glass palace leaves no doubt that Franklin Park Conservatory has a rich and significant history to tell. It all began when the Franklin County Agriculture Society purchased 88 acres of land two miles east of downtown Columbus to host the first Franklin County Fair in 1852. By 1874, the Franklin County Agricultural Society agreed on the importance of this beloved piece of land, increased the size to 93 acres, and made it the official site of the Ohio State Fair.
For several years, the state fairgrounds were a popular destination. History was made on August 11, 1880 when General William Tecumseh Sherman delivered his famous statement, “War is Hell,” in a speech to Civil War veterans.
The state fair occupied the site until 1884, when it moved to a new location north of Columbus. With the change, the lot was abandoned. But on May 17, 1886, the site was officially revived when the Ohio State Legislature passed a resolution declaring it open for use as a public park.
Ameriflora
In 1992, the world took notice of Franklin Park and the Conservatory when Columbus hosted the quincentennial of Christopher Columbus arriving on the shores of the new world in 1492. Franklin Park was transformed into AmeriFlora, an international horticultural exhibition that filled the parks 88 acres. AmeriFlora lasted from April 3, 1992 to October 12, 1992.
Chihuly Permanent Collection
Franklin Park Conservatory is the only public botanical garden in the world to own a signature collection of Dale Chihuly’s glass artworks.
Tickets and hours
ADMISSION
$7.50 for adults
$6.00 for seniors and students
$4.00 for children 2-12
Members and children under 2 FREE
* All exhibitions are included in the general admission priceHOURS
Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Open holiday Mondays