Chihuly Permanent Collection
Franklin Park Conservatory is the only public botanical garden in the world to own a signature collection of Chihuly’s artworks.

From October 2003 to July 2004, an exhibition of Chihuly’s glass sculptures drew record crowds to the Conservatory. The exhibition included Chandeliers, Macchias, Ikebanas, Venetians, Fiori, Persians and the Sunset Tower. Most of the glass within the exhibition was acquired for the Conservatory by a group of donors. The collection contains more than 3,000 individual pieces of glass. Four artworks are on permanent display. The full collection will next be seen in 2009. Related programs for all audiences will complement the coming exhibition.

In the fall of 2006, the John F. Wolfe Chihuly Resource Center opened to the public. Visitors will find books and DVD's about the artist, a flat screen monitor and computer station for viewing materials and websites, and glass artworks and drawings by Dale Chihuly. The Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Click here for more information.

The Friends of the Conservatory, a private, nonprofit group that supports the Conservatory’s programming, made the purchase of the Chihuly pieces possible.

Contributions to the purchase were made by:

• Battelle
• The Columbus Foundation
• The William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation
• Robert B. Hurst and James W. Overstreet Funds of The Columbus Foundation
• Limited Brands Foundation
• Mr. John H. McConnell
• Nationwide Foundation
• The OK Foundation
• Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Wexner
• Robert F. Wolfe & Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation
• Worthington Industries
  

Chihuly Studio Editions available at Botanica

Select Chihuly blown glass sculptures are available for purchase. In addition, a variety of glass and Chihuly-inspired gifts, such as exquisite plates and Chihuly notecards and books can be purchased. Stop in to see the latest items for any of your gift-giving needs. Click here to see current items available.