Mission
Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences.
Vision
A world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.
Read our most recent Annual Report to learn how we’re bringing this vision to life.
Overview
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Central Ohio’s premier botanical garden and home to the iconic John F. Wolfe Palm House which dates back to 1895. Situated just east of Franklin Park, the Conservatory is approximately two miles from downtown Columbus.
The visitor experience spans about 13-acres and is comprised of the Conservatory building, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. The experience consists of botanical biomes, lush gardens, special horticulture and art exhibitions, and seasonal offerings. A collection of glass works by artist Dale Chihuly is also on display and included with admission.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus is a sprawling 4-acre garden adjacent to the visitor experience that encompasses an apiary, rose pavilion, berry house and 40 community garden plots as well as, a demonstration kitchen and Live-Fire Cooking Theater. This area is open to the public at no charge from dawn until dusk.
Funding
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is funded through a combination of earned revenue and fundraising. Two-thirds of the Conservatory’s annual operating budget are covered through earned revenue that includes admissions, private rentals, gift shop and cafe sales, classes and mission-based programs. The remaining one-third of our operating revenue is derived from generous individual donors, corporate and foundation grants, special events, the Women’s Sustaining Board, and governmental funding. The Conservatory is grateful to all donors, supporters and advocates who help to elevate quality of life and connect the community through the power of nature.
Visitor Experience Acreage (see map)
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Conservatory Building – 3 acres
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Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden & Grand Mallway – 10 acres
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Total Visitor Experience (included in admission) – 13 acres
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Franklin Park – 88 acres
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Franklin Park Accessible Without Admission – 75 acres
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Exhibitions and Events
Exhibitions occur at different times through the year and have included the family favorite Paul Busse Garden Railway, stunning Orchids and iconic Blooms & Butterflies. Seasonal exhibitions include Harvest Blooms and Pumpkins Aglow in the fall and Holiday Blooms and Conservatory Aglow during the holidays. Additionally, the Conservatory hosts special, temporary exhibitions by national and international artists each year.
A variety of special events and activities are available throughout the year, as well as, a full menu of classes, workshops and camps focusing on gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness.
With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.
Community Impact
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located within a 88-acre City of Columbus Park that borders several historic neighborhoods. It was the site of the first Franklin County Fair and Ohio State Fair. The Palm House and Showhouse have been open to the Columbus community across three centuries. The Conservatory as it is today opened in 1993 and has since brought international artists and exhibitions to the city as well as welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors.
There is a historical and inextricable link to the community.
From President & CEO Bruce Harkey, “Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ mission is to improve quality of life and connect the community through nature. We strive to make our gardens a place where everyone can come together and share the beauty of the natural world. It is our promise to continue to create an experience that is safe and welcoming for everyone.”
