Franklin Park Conservatory

A Storied History: From Fairgrounds to Flourishing Gardens

The origins of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are deeply rooted in the history of Columbus. The 88-acre site was initially purchased in 1852 by the Franklin County Agriculture Society, serving as the very first location for the Franklin County Fair. Later, in 1874, it became the official grounds of the Ohio State Fair. The vision for a public park began to take shape in 1884 when the Ohio Legislature declared the site as Franklin Park, open for public use.

Inspired by the "City Beautiful" movement, which advocated for urban beautification and the creation of grand public spaces, the city of Columbus embarked on building a magnificent Victorian-style glass greenhouse within the park. This architectural marvel, known today as the John F. Wolfe Palm House, first opened its doors to the public in 1895 as Franklin Park Conservatory. It quickly became a beloved destination, complementing the park's carriage paths, lake, and boathouse. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, along with the connecting Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, represent the oldest and most iconic portions of the Conservatory.

For decades, the Conservatory was owned and operated by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, developing a strong reputation for horticultural excellence and becoming a popular venue for community gatherings. A pivotal moment in its modern history arrived when Franklin Park and the Conservatory were chosen as the host site for AmeriFlora '92, a six-month international horticulture exposition. This event spurred a massive $14-million expansion and renovation that began in 1989. This ambitious project added 58,000 square feet, significantly expanding plant collections, classrooms, a library, gift shop, café, and administrative offices. At the conclusion of AmeriFlora, the Ohio Legislature established the Franklin Park Conservatory Joint Recreation District, entrusting the long-term management and ownership of the Conservatory and 28 surrounding acres to a new board of trustees and an executive director. The modern Conservatory, as it is largely experienced today, officially opened in 1993, beginning a new chapter of welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors and hosting international artists and exhibitions.

Mission and Values: Connecting Community Through Nature

The driving force behind Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a clear and compelling mission: "to improve quality of life and connect the community through nature." This mission permeates every aspect of the Conservatory's operations, from its meticulously curated plant collections to its expansive outreach programs.

The Conservatory operates on a strong foundation of values:

• Belonging: Striving to create an inclusive environment where all people feel valued, welcomed, and included, regardless of background or financial status.
• Creativity: Encouraging original thinking and innovative solutions to inspire growth and problem-solving within the organization and the community.
• Collaboration: Embracing partnerships, teamwork, and diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals and collective success.
• Stewardship: Practicing responsible management and care of its natural and artistic assets to ensure sustainability and well-being for future generations.

These values inform how the Conservatory interacts with its visitors, its partners, and the broader community, ensuring that its work is always authentic and impactful.

A Journey Through Nature: Gardens and Collections

The Franklin Park Conservatory's visitor experience spans approximately 13 acres, comprising the main Conservatory building, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden, and the Grand Mallway. Situated within the larger 88-acre Franklin Park, the Conservatory offers both breathtaking indoor displays and expansive outdoor botanical gardens.

Indoor Collections and Biomes: The Conservatory building itself houses over 400 species of plants from around the world, displayed within meticulously designed biomes that recreate diverse ecosystems:

• Himalayan Mountain Biome: Features plants adapted to harsh alpine conditions, offering a delightful change of seasons from fragrant Star Jasmine to vibrant fall foliage.
• Rainforest Biome: A hot and humid escape showcasing the tremendous biodiversity of tropical rainforests, complete with an upper canopy bridge for elevated views and examples like Mahogany and Cacao trees.
• Desert Biome: An arid environment filled with a stunning array of cacti and succulents of all sizes, providing pops of color with unusual blooms in spring and summer.
• Pacific Island Water Garden: A multi-elevation experience with flora native to volcanically formed Pacific islands, featuring ancient ferns, breadfruit, and banana trees, alongside a serene Koi pond.

Beyond the biomes, the Conservatory features:

• John F. Wolfe Palm House and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse: These historic 1895 glasshouses are the focal points for seasonal and special horticultural displays, offering magnificent floral arrangements throughout the year.
• Bonsai Collection: A rotating selection of masterfully cultivated bonsai trees displayed in the Bonsai Courtyard and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse.
• Chihuly Collection: The Conservatory boasts a permanent collection of vibrant, intricate glass artwork by internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly, seamlessly integrated into the natural settings, including pieces on the rooftop gardens (The Grove and Zen Terrace).
• Light Raiment II: An architectural light installation by internationally renowned artist James Turrell, illuminating the John F. Wolfe Palm House in a captivating display.
• Cardinal Health Gallery: Hosting rotating exhibitions by local and international artists, complementing the natural and horticultural displays.

Outdoor Botanical Gardens: Within the 88-acre Franklin Park, the outdoor gardens provide seasonal color and interest across diverse landscapes:

• The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden: A sprawling 10-acre space dedicated to connecting children and families with the natural world through interactive experiences.
• Grand Mallway: Formal gardens featuring pathways lined with evergreens and abundant perennial beds, anchored by Stephen Canneto's landmark sculpture, "NavStar."
• Celebration Garden: An elegant space ideal for ceremonies, featuring lush foliage, blooming perennials, white redbud trees, and symbolic stonework.
• Daylily Garden: Home to 850 varieties of blooming daylilies, arranged by the decade of their introduction, showcasing the history of Ohio hybridizers.
• Crane Conifer Garden & Ornamental Grass Collection: Displays the diversity of coniferous plants and grasses with varied forms, sizes, and textures, creating a four-season display.
• The Wells Barn Gardens: Designed to complement the historic Wells Barn, these gardens feature meadow-like plantings of perennials, grasses, and shrubs, with themes like native plants, sustainable gardening, and wildlife attraction.

Educational Programs and Community Impact: Sowing Seeds for a Better Future

Franklin Park Conservatory is much more than a collection of plants and art; it is a dynamic hub for education and community engagement, serving thousands of Central Ohioans annually. Their commitment to accessibility and impact is evident in a wide array of programs:

• School and Youth Programs: Offering hands-on learning experiences aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards and K-12 academic standards in Life Science, Earth & Space Science, and Fine Arts. Programs like "Butterfly Explorers," "Garden Detectives," "Blooms & Butterflies," and "The Nature of Glass" inspire curiosity and learning through plant-focused activities. They also provide "Traveling Programs" that bring interactive lessons directly to schools.
• Community Days: On the first Sunday of every month, residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free general admission, providing access to all gardens, collections, and daytime exhibitions. Many Community Days feature themed programming, performances, and partnerships with local organizations.
• Museums for All: As part of a national initiative, the Conservatory offers reduced $3 admission to income-qualified individuals, ensuring year-round accessibility. They also partner with Nationwide Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House to provide free admission for patients and their families, recognizing the health benefits of nature.
• Growing to Green Program: Since 2000, this program has been instrumental in building healthier communities through gardening. It provides over 75 annual consultations, garden grants, resources, and on-site support to strengthen community gardens across Central Ohio. The program also directly supports 47 community gardens within the Conservatory's own Community Garden Campus.
• Community Hunger Initiatives: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually to area food pantries. Additionally, the "Free Little Farmstand" in the Community Garden Campus provides fresh produce directly to neighbors, improving food access in underserved areas.
• Farmers Market: Open on Wednesdays from June to September, the Conservatory's Farmers Market provides thousands of residents on Columbus' East side with access to fresh, local foods, accepting EBT and participating in Produce Perks to maximize purchasing power for low-income families.
• Teen Corps: An 8-week paid educational internship for Franklin County teens, connecting them with horticulture, environmental sustainability, and professional development.

Funding and Sustainability: A Community-Supported Institution

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens operates as a non-profit organization, sustained through a combination of earned revenue and philanthropic support. Approximately two-thirds of the Conservatory's annual operating budget is covered through earned revenue, which includes admissions, private rentals, gift shop and café sales, classes, and mission-based programs. The remaining portion is funded through the generosity of donors, supporters, and advocates whose contributions are essential for elevating the quality of life in the community and connecting people through the power of nature.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Beauty, Education, and Connection

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature and the vital role of botanical gardens in modern society. From its historic roots as a county fairground to its current status as a beacon of horticultural excellence, artistic expression, and community engagement, the Conservatory continues to inspire, educate, and connect. By nurturing diverse plant collections, fostering an appreciation for art, and implementing impactful outreach programs, Franklin Park Conservatory truly fulfills its mission, creating life-enhancing experiences and ensuring that the profound beauty of the natural world is accessible and celebrated by all.