Published February 25, 2025
“We traveled from Michigan specifically for Chihuly Nights. It was our first visit and we loved it. We hope to return!” – Mark and Kelly, Conservatory Visitors
Did you know that 20% of our visitors come specifically to see our Chihuly glass collection? Perhaps you’ve attended a Chihuly Night, like Mark and Kelly. Or, maybe you’ve stopped to admire the stunning glassworks sprinkled throughout the Conservatory. Whether you’re familiar with artist Dale Chihuly and his larger-than-life glass sculptures, or simply admire the beautiful artwork intermixed with plants, there’s something for everyone. It takes a village to provide and care for unique exhibitions and experiences, and we couldn’t do it without you. Read on to learn more about the behind-the-scenes care required of the Conservatory’s private collection of Chihuly artwork.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is proud to own the largest private collection of Chihuly artwork in a botanical garden and currently has 18 installations on display. As you can imagine, owning a collection of this size is no small undertaking. To ensure a collection of this size is maintained and preserved, the Conservatory outsources cleaning assistance from the professionally trained art handlers at Denny Park Fine Arts, the only company authorized by Chihuly Studios to professionally clean Chihuly glass.
This intensive process is facilitated and overseen by the Conservatory’s Exhibitions Manager, Nick Bednar. Because the Conservatory’s collection is so extensive, Denny Park alternates the installations they work on each year. In 2024, Denny Park focused its deep cleaning on the Sunset Chandelier, Cobalt and Clear Chandeliers, and Niljima Floats.
Nick described the differences between the Conservatory’s day-to-day upkeep of the collection and Denny Park’s specialized cleaning: “For our routine, it’s a surface clean. We all use the same cleaning items: cloth diapers and Sprayway glass cleaner to dust and keep things looking sharp. But when Denny Park is here, it’s a deep clean, detailed and technical. They’re handling parts of installations we don’t touch, sometimes even disassembling pieces to check for hidden issues. This year, they worked on the Cobalt and Clear Chandeliers, where one glass stem had filled with water from our irrigation watering. They drained, cleaned and resealed it. Their expertise goes a long way in keeping everything pristine.”
In July, Denny Park spent two full days cleaning. Though it was a quick visit, their attention to detail was impeccable, and it takes all hands on deck to ensure a smooth cleaning process. “They’re a small team but incredibly efficient. While they’re here, all departments are collaborating, from Visitor Experience setting up stanchions and closure signage to Exhibitions assisting with any unforeseen needs.”
For Nick, the highlight of this intense coordination is the way all departments come together with a singular focus. “My favorite part is seeing our teams all working to make this happen—taking care of our collection, each of us playing a part to protect these works of art for years to come.”
Through ongoing support from donors like you, the Conservatory can continue to preserve the Chihuly collection with this level of care and expertise. Each gift ensures these remarkable works remain vibrant and accessible for all who visit.