Posted: February 19, 2026
The John F. Wolfe Palm House and connecting Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse are the oldest portions of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Built in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, they are one of only six remaining Victorian-era glass houses in the U.S.
At 130 years old, the renovation of these areas is crucial and addresses structural issues in both buildings. Construction in these areas and the surrounding Wolfe Terrace will improve ADA accessibility, link the visitor experience of the interior Palm House from east to west via bridge, and dramatically improve ventilation making temperatures tolerable for plants and guests.
Addressing the structural integrity of the Palm House and Showhouse has always been a priority in the Conservatory’s North Star Master Plan which includes 15 transformational capital projects. These areas are the “roots” of the Conservatory and Franklin Park, and we want to ensure this historic icon of Columbus continues to welcome visitors for generations to come.
The full renovation of the John F. Wolfe Palm House, Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, and Wolfe Terrace was made possible by a landmark philanthropic gift from the Wolfe family.
For more than a century, the Wolfe family has shaped Columbus through journalism, civic leadership, and philanthropy. As longtime publishers of The Columbus Dispatch, they coupled their role in the city’s public life with an exemplary commitment to giving. Their leadership and generosity have strengthened not only the Conservatory but also the Columbus Zoo, and other cultural institutions, helping shape the city’s identity as a community engagement hub. The Wolfe family’s commitment to the Conservatory spans nearly nine decades.
