Information
Landmark: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical GardensCity: Columbus
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus, USA Ohio, North America
Overview
In Columbus, Ohio, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens stands as a celebrated horticultural gem, where vibrant orchids, hands-on classes, striking art displays, and lively community events come together under one roof.Founded in 1895, it rests inside the wide sweep of Franklin Park’s 88 acres, with roughly 13 acres devoted to lush gardens and bright, glass-roofed conservatory rooms.At the conservatory, visitors step into lush, green spaces designed to spark a love for plants, the natural world, and sustainable living through hands-on, immersive experiences.Built in the late 19th century, the conservatory became a proud piece of Columbus’s park system, its glass panes once gleaming in the afternoon sun.Over the years, crews expanded and renovated it, turning the place into a modern botanical garden and lively educational center where bright flowers line the walkways.The facility now boasts a historic glasshouse, lush biomes that mirror ecosystems from around the world, and a dazzling Dale Chihuly glass art collection that catches light like shards of ice.Main highlights and must-see spots, starting with number one.John F., his shirt faintly smelling of coffee, stepped into the room.At the heart of the conservatory stands the Wolfe Palm House, a Victorian glasshouse built in 1895, its sunlit halls filled with more than forty kinds of palms and lush tropical plants.After dark, Light Raiment II-James Turrell’s luminous installation-bathes the glass roof in gentle, shifting colors, turning the space into a softly glowing canopy that draws visitors in.Number two.Inside the conservatory, you’ll wander through several climate‑controlled biomes, each one echoing a different corner of the world - step into the tropical rainforest and you’re surrounded by warm, heavy air, towering trees, bright orchids, and feathery ferns.In the Himalayan Mountains, alpine plants thrive alongside cool-weather species, clinging to rocky slopes dusted with frost.Desert-home to succulents, spiny cacti, and other hardy plants that flourish under a blazing sun and bone-dry soil.Pacific Island Water Garden bursts with lush aquatic plants and shimmering tropical water features.Together, these biomes showcase more than 400 plant species, inviting visitors to wander from dense, mossy forests to bright, sunlit grasslands.Number three.At Franklin Park Conservatory, you’ll find the largest public display of Dale Chihuly glass, seamlessly woven into lush gardens where bright petals mirror the shimmer of his sculptures.Over 3,000 glass sculptures-each a vivid, flowing shape-dot the gardens and fill the conservatory, their colors catching the light and weaving art seamlessly into the landscape.Number four.The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden is an interactive, nature-themed play area created just for kids, with winding paths and leafy nooks to explore.You’ll find hands-on projects that spark curiosity-digging into soil, spotting tiny insects, and discovering how to care for the environment.Five.The conservatory rolls out fresh seasonal exhibits, like Blooms & Butterflies in spring, where live butterflies drift between clusters of bright, blooming plants.In autumn and winter, Pumpkins Aglow and Conservatory Aglow light up with glowing pumpkin sculptures and shimmering installations that catch the crisp evening air.Chihuly Nights lets you wander the glass art and gardens after dark, where vivid colors glow beneath dramatic lights.Franklin Park Conservatory invites people of all ages to learn and connect through hands-on gardening workshops, lively cooking classes where the scent of fresh herbs fills the room, and uplifting wellness programs.Field trips to nature reserves and summer camps where kids dig in the soil and learn about environmental science and horticulture.Local gatherings that celebrate culture, protect natural resources, and encourage sustainable living-like a weekend fair with handmade crafts and fresh garden produce.We partner with local groups to run accessibility programs like Museums for All, where families using SNAP or Medicaid can enjoy reduced admission-often just a few dollars-to explore the exhibits.The conservatory works hard to protect the planet, focusing on conservation by caring for rare and endangered plants-like a delicate orchid kept safe in its warm glasshouse.Speaking up for sustainable gardening, like planting native flowers that draw in bees.Put eco-friendly practices in place-save water, run energy-efficient systems, and cut down on waste, like swapping plastic bins for compost.We work with botanical institutions around the world, trading knowledge and resources-sometimes even swapping rare pressed leaves.We’re open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the doors stay shut on big holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.General admission costs $16.50 for kids and $24 for adults, with lower prices for seniors and those in community assistance programs.You can park for free in several on-site lots just steps from the conservatory, where the scent of fresh flowers drifts through the air.The whole place is set up for wheelchairs, from smooth, wide doorways to restrooms that are easy to reach, with all services designed for access.At The Garden Café, you’ll find seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, served in a sunlit space that feels warm and inviting.At the Botanica Gift Shop, you’ll find garden-inspired treasures-books with soil-smudged pages, leafy plants, colorful art, and other thoughtful gifts.You’ll find the conservatory at 1777 East Broad Street in Columbus, just a quick drive or an easy bus ride away.COTA buses run through the area, with stops just a short walk away.Cyclists visiting the gardens can lock up their bikes at the sturdy racks near the main gate.Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens buzzes with life, bringing together lush plants, striking art, and hands-on learning under one roof.Visitors wander through glasshouses bursting with greenery from every corner of the globe, stroll into themed gardens alive with color, and pause to enjoy striking art pieces and lively, hands-on programs.In Columbus, it’s a cherished cultural hub that fills the year with inspiration, hands-on learning, and lively recreation for people of all ages-from kids chasing butterflies to neighbors gathering for evening concerts.
