The Franklin Park Conservatory is a Nature Lover’s Haven
On your next visit to Columbus, Ohio, pay a visit to the Franklin Park Conservatory. The Franklin Park Conservatory consists of 90 acres of beautifully landscaped property and features several attractions. You can stroll through open green spaces, see waterfalls, view flower gardens and relax in a stunning natural environment.
There are more than 400 species of plants and 100 different types of butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory. There is also a huge model railroad track on display as well as a fabulous glass art collection. Special exhibits and educational programs and activities are held at the Conservatory throughout the year.
There are several greenhouses at the Franklin Park Conservatory featuring many diverse habitats. There is a greenhouse exhibit featuring a recreated Himalayan Mountain environment, plus a lush Pacific Island Water Garden greenhouse.
Visitors can also tour a desert habitat greenhouse and a vibrant tropical rainforest greenhouse brimming with colorful and fragrant flowers and intriguing vegetation. There is also a Palm House and Showhouse featuring beautiful orchids, carefully tended bonsai and elegant palms.
The Pacific Island Water Garden showcases a butterfly exhibit from spring through fall. During the Blooms and Butterflies exhibition, the Conservatory receives chrysalides of over 100 species of butterflies. As they mature, the insects are released into the Pacific Island Water Garden area. The Butterfly Discovery Center and daily guided Butterfly Releases provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn more about these beautiful creatures.
The Franklin Park Conservatory’s permanent collection of glass art sculptures by renowned artist Dale Chihuly is a spectacular compliment to the beautiful plants on display. Visitors can see several of Chihuly’s colorful and elegant blown glass works, and a display of the Conservatory’s entire 3,000-piece Chihuly collection is planned for 2009. The recently completed John F. Wolfe Chihuly Resource Center features a tremendous amount of information about the artist and his work.
The Shop Botanica at the Conservatory is a combination gift shop and greenhouse. This is a truly unique place to purchase everything from books on Chihuly’s art to educational kids’ toys. Home accessories including holiday and seasonal decor items are available, and you can purchase plants to start your own butterfly garden at the Shop Botanica, too.
In addition to viewing a tremendous variety of plants and beautiful art, visitors to the Franklin Park Conservatory can picnic, and there is a playground available for children’s entertainment. Cam’s Garden Cafe is a terrific place to enjoy lunch or a snack on the premises. The Cafe features soups and sandwiches, salads, baked goods and more.
With such a wide variety of fun, entertaining and educational attractions on site, the Franklin Park Conservatory is a terrific destination for children and adult visitors alike.
[…] glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly are on permanent display at the Franklin Park Conservatory. The Conservatory holds nearly 3,000 pieces of Chihuly's beautiful works in its […]