Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the city’s best-known horticultural attractions and a long-standing part of the park’s history. The conservatory traces its roots to 1851, when the Columbus Horticultural Society purchased 10 acres to establish a public garden. Over time, the site expanded as surrounding land was added for county fairgrounds, and in 1886, the Ohio Legislature formally designated the grounds as Franklin Park for public use.
The present conservatory building opened in 1895 and later became a historic landmark, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, the institution combines historic architecture with botanical collections, educational programming and major exhibitions. It is also known for displaying works by Dale Chihuly, adding an art component to the visitor experience.
The conservatory, within the larger 88-acre Franklin Park, houses more than 400 plant species and features environments representing several global climate zones, including the Himalayas, tropical rainforests, deserts and Pacific islands. Additional features include a bonsai courtyard, orchid and tropical bonsai collections, seasonal displays and a palm house.