Art Collections

Internationally renowned light artist James Turrell’s architectural light installation illuminates the Conservatory’s John F. Wolfe Palm House in an inspiring display of light. This permanent installation of approximately 7,000 small, computer-controlled LED light sources, most of which are obscured from direct view inside, performs each evening beginning at dusk. It is best viewed from the Conservatory’s Grand Mallway, just west of the Palm House.  Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens received special funding from the Limited Brands Foundation for Light Raiment II.

Dale Chihuly’s vibrant glass artwork, combined with the natural light provided by a glass house and the colors and forms of the Conservatory’s plant collections, makes a lasting impression on all who view it.

Chihuly’s artwork was first seen at the Conservatory in 2003 and shortly after, the Friends of the Conservatory, a private nonprofit group, purchased most of the pieces in that exhibition as a permanent collection for the Conservatory. Several works from the Conservatory’s collection are currently on view, including Neodymium Reeds, Niijima Floats, and the 666-piece Sunset Tower.

To enhance the glass experience, visitors can watch artists create small works of art from hot, molten glass during daily demonstrations in the Conservatory’s Hot Shop, open from March through December.