The Conservatory’s Palm House, West Terrace, Show House, Grand Atrium and meeting rooms have long been highly-valued as unique settings for special events such as weddings, holiday parties and corporate functions. A key element of the 5-year strategic plan developed in 1998 by the Conservatory was to maximize earned revenue from special events. To accomplish this, special events staff was increased to facilitate more events. The strategy has been successful.

To continue growth in this area and increase revenue that is used to support mission-based programming such as Growing to Green and educational programming, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens improved its special event support facilities and created a new venue.

The Palm House additions consist of two new wings to the north and south of the John F. Wolfe Palm House. The north addition has a new entrance for those attending special events and houses a new event space, the Worthington Industries Veridian, that is suitably designed for both formal events in the evening as well as corporate events to take place during the day. The stylish room is an ideal venue for a wedding reception and also has the audiovisual needs necessary for corporate meetings.

Most of the support facilities for special events are located in the south wing. The wing contains a new catering area where caterers can stage meals for both the Palm House and the new event space. Storage for everything needed to execute an event is located in this wing along with offices for event sales staff. Brides and grooms no longer have to prepare for their big days in the horticulture locker rooms as there are now bride and groom dressing rooms in the two wings.

The new additions provide several areas where the beauty of plants can be enjoyed. Atop the two additions are rooftop gardens—the Zen Terrace and The Grove. These rooftop gardens are accessed through the Showhouse and are available for special events as well as enjoyed by general visitors. Adjacent to the north wing is the Brides Garden, a terraced garden with a calming fountain that can be used for an intimate wedding ceremony, by a bride for a relaxing moment prior to her wedding, or following the ceremony for wedding photographs.

A lighting installation by internationally renowned award-winning artist James Turrell illuminates the Conservatory’s historic glass John F. Wolfe Palm House in an inspiring display of light. This permanent installation, titled Light Raiment II, performs each evening beginning at dusk and can be viewed from the Grand Mallway west of the John F. Wolfe Palm House.