Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory returns in 2023

Late winter through Spring is the perfect time to visit Blooms and Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory.

As one of the most popular exhibits, you won’t want to miss it in 2023!

From February 25 -May 29, 2023, hundreds of exotic butterflies will fill the Pacific Island Water Garden biome, a tropical haven filled with lush foliage and bright blooms.

Patrons can visit at any time to see a diverse array of butterflies soaring overhead or basking on nearby plant life.

Special Blooms and Butterflies dates

Opening Day: February 25 from 11 am – 2 pm
Make a fairy wand, then head into the Pacific Island Water Garden Biome to get some great pictures with the newly hatched butterflies and the costumed Garden Fairies. Kids are welcome to wear their own fairy costumes. Included with admission.

Blooms & Butterflies Sale: February 25
20% off all blooming bulb plants and all Insectlore children’s merchandise at Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse

Blooms & Butterflies Member Celebration: April 28
The Conservatory will be hosting a Blooms & Butterflies Member Celebration on Friday, April 28. Stay tuned for details!

Chihuly Nights during Blooms and Butterflies

Visit the Conservatory after-hours for a special evening out. Perfect for dates or friend outings! See more details here.

March 11, 2023
April 15, 2023
May 6, 2023

Other fun Conservatory features

While you’re there kids love exploring and playing in The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden. This fun outdoor park features natural play areas, special gardens, and other ways to connect kids with nature.

Don’t miss the stunning Chihuly Collection throughout FPC, along with the other beautiful offerings. Leave plenty of time for your visit! There is truly a days’ worth of exploring at the Conservatory.

While you’re there, visit the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse and view the Orchids exhibit through March 12.

Admission details

Admission to the Franklin Park Conservatory is $22 for adults and over age 12, $19 for seniors, and $15 for children 3-12 (free under age 2). These admission prices are valid 10 am – 5 pm. Special events and evening hours have different rates.

Franklin Park Conservatory discounts

AAA members: $1 off each adult ticket, $0.50 off each child ticket

Active or Retired Service Members: $1 off each ticket (any age)

Community Days at the Conservatory. On the first Sunday of each month, the Conservatory will be free for residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus during regular operating hours of 10am to 5pm. Read more about it here.

Columbus Member Advantage discount. Members of select attractions and museums in Columbus will receive a $3 discount at Franklin Park Conservatory through the Columbus Member Advantage program.

Educator, Military & Student Discounts. Take 10% off any membership category if you are a full-time, active educator or an active or retired military personnel. Present current teacher or military identification at the Visitor’s Center to qualify for this discount. Students (with valid ID) receive 10% off the Individual membership.

FPC Culture passes at the Library. Conservatory Membership Cards are available for checkout at the Martin Luther King, Shepard, and Driving Park branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

With an active library card, you can check out a temporary Conservatory membership card that will grant up to two adults and six children free admission to the Conservatory for 2 days.

Culture Passes are only available for in-person customer checkout at the specific CML locations listed above, as well as Pickerington Public Library.

Culture Passes cannot be reserved like traditional library items, however customers can check their availability at columbuslibrary.org by typing “Culture Pass” into the catalog search bar.

Access Pass discounts. The Conservatory provides special discounts to qualifying families to make programming and special events available to all. $3 general admission and special engagement tickets are available for SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid participants.

Access Members also qualify for $3 special engagement tickets. See website for specific discounts

Franklin Park Conservatory Membership discounts

Love to explore the various exhibits and events throughout the year? An annual membership would be worth the cost, as they range from $60 – $200. Senior (60+) memberships are just $45, and the $35 Access pass is for families who are eligible for benefit programs.

Members also receive discounts and free admission at various Reciprocal Admission Discounts to gardens and arboretums across the US.

You’ll also receive a $3 discount to many of the best museums and attractions in Columbus through the Columbus Member Advantage, including Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus, Ohio History Center & Ohio Village, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Pizzuti Collection, Wexner Center for the Arts.

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Special Offer: Conservatory members receive one free ticket to a regular season performance with the purchase of a ticket. Contact the ProMusica box office with current membership number at 614.464.0066.

Membership discounts

Educator, Military & Student Discounts: Take 10% off any membership category if you are a full-time, active educator or an active or retired military personnel. Present current teacher or military identification at the Visitor’s Center for this discount.

Students (with valid ID) receive 10% off the Individual membership.

Access Family Membership ($35) for families in eligible programs with proof of participation: CareSource, Ohio Directions card, Medicaid card, W.I.C. card or Molina card. Franklin Park Conservatory Access memberships are available by mail or at the Visitor Center only.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E Broad St
Columbus, OH 43203
614.715.8000

photo credit