Franklin Park Conservatory Free Community Day, Chihuly Nights, special events, plus other discounts

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Central Ohio’s premier botanical garden, just east of Franklin Park approximately two miles from downtown Columbus. Explore 13 acres of botanical biomes, stunning gardens, art installations and exhibitions, and seasonal attractions as you wander the Conservatory building, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. 

photo courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory

Timed Tickets for Visits

Reservations are no longer required, but are recommended to make the check-in process easier. Special events, such as Chihuly Nights, may still require advance tickets, as these events are not included in general admission. Unvaccinated guests should continue to wear face coverings during their visit. Fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear face coverings.

Tickets can either be printed or scanned from your confirmation email on your mobile device, and members can present their ID and membership card.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden

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.

Bring a towel and water-safe clothing if your kids intend to visit the garden, so they can explore the Sandstone Creek water feature. Diapered kids must wear swim diapers. Don’t forget sunscreen!

Open Mic Night at the Conservatory

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 6:30 pm. The Conservatory is hosting an open mic night in partnership with TRANSIT ARTS a citywide youth arts program of Central Community House. Admission is free and everyone is welcome! Talent comes alive for the whole family at TRANSIT ARTS Open Mics with family-friendly performances by TRANSIT ARTS DJs, singers, musicians, dancers, poets, rappers, live painters, and more. Community performers of all ages can sign up onsite (first-come, first-served to perform for a new audience within our supportive community). The entire Conservatory will remain open until 7pm for all attendees to explore. Be sure to view the new gallery exhibition Resilience in Nature: We Are The Roses that Grew from the Concrete. Around 7pm Conservatory staff will ask visitors to move to the Wolfe Terrace for the event. Please bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Pets and alcohol are not allowed.

Paul Busse Garden Railway

April 2 – January 9, 2022. Train lovers, check this out! The popular exhibition is back, and features model trains whirling through unique botanical themes on 1,122 feet of track in the Grand Mallway. 

Travel alongside 9 g-scale model trains to immerse yourself in Fairytale Land, Wild West Town, European Travels and the animal-themed Who Lives Here. See the trains weave through the miniature world of 51 botanical models made from all-natural plant material, including an enchanted tree hollow, two waterfalls, a bubbling brook, and plantings specific to each theme.

Select trains in the Paul Busse Garden Railway train set were generously donated in memory of John F. Wolfe by the Wolfe Family.

Permanent Exhibitions

Don’t miss the stunning Chihuly Collection throughout FPC, along with the other beautiful offerings, such as the Himalayan Mountain Biome, Rainforest Biome, Desert Biome, and Pacific Island Water Garden. 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 specimens from the Conservatory’s bonsai collection.

Check out all of the gardens and collections available for viewing at FPC.

Chihuly Nights

Select evenings each month through October from 7 pm – 10 pm. Chihuly Nights are an amazing way to see the conservatory after hours in a new light. The 19 Chihuly installations will be illuminated with the botanical gardens as a backdrop. Check out the biomes in the conservatory and the historic John F. Wolfe Palm as it’s illuminated by James Turrell’s Light Raiment II.

The Conservatory food truck will serve a limited food menu, beer and wine. Botanica Gift Shop and Chihuly Gift Store will be open as well. Special admission is $12-$22 for non-members, and $6-$11 for members. It’s an amazing date night idea! 

• January 23, 2021
• February 12-14, 2021 (special extended Valentine’s weekend)
• March 13, 2021
• April 10, 2021
• May 8, 2021
• June 19, 2021
• July 10, 2021
• August 21, 2021
• September 11, 2021
• October 9, 2021

Farmer’s Market at FPC

Wednesdays, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm from June 2 – September 1, rain or shine.  The market is located outdoors in the main Conservatory parking lot, just off of East Broad Street and two miles east of downtown Columbus. The public is welcome and parking is free. Vendors offer a mix of local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health and beauty products.

The market accepts EBT for all qualifying purchases and offers incentive dollars through the Produce Perks Columbus program (formerly known as Veggie SNAPS) for fresh produce for all EBT users.

Wellness Wednesdays at FPC

Every Wednesday, May through September, the public is invited to attend a walk led by an expert who will discuss different topics related to nature and health. Participants will meet near the Conservatory’s main entrance. The route will follow the paved, one-mile loop through the outdoor public spaces of Franklin Park. This is a free program and there’s no need to register. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring your own water.

Wellness Wednesdays are a collaboration between The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Total Health and Wellness and Center for Integrative Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Nursing and Franklin Park Conservatory. Details here.

photo courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory

Seasonal exhibitions

Pollinator Palooza

Saturday,  June 19, 2021, in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. Engage with various organizations that are raising awareness for pollinators, while enjoying learning opportunities, crafts, music, garden tours and more. This event is completely free to attend; no tickets or reservations are required. Please note that this event is held in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, just outside the main Conservatory building.

Conservatory admission would be required (and reservations are encouraged) if you wish to also explore the Conservatory during your visit. Details.

In the Gardens Color to Discover: May 29 – Sept 19, 2021

Flowers and foliage are in full bloom, along with over 230 containers, hanging baskets, and whimsical living art from the 29 pieces in the topiary collection. 

Bloom and Butterflies: February 20 – May 31, 2021

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. 

Daily butterfly demonstrations will not be taking place this year due to social distancing precautions. Instead, stay tuned for virtual opportunities to watch butterflies being released into the space! See more details here.

Bringing Reverence to Nature: An Exploration of Botanicals in Paper: January 23 – May 31, 2021

A brand new exhibition featuring the works of local artist Lea Gray in the Cardinal Health Gallery. This exhibition captures the spirit of nature through masterfully designed plant sculptures, made entirely of paper. Her love of nature translates into incredibly detailed work, creating hyper-realistic botanical arrangements.

Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory: January 23 – March 7, 2021

Thousands of vibrant orchid blossoms will fill the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, bringing with them a warm, tropical escape for the senses. This exhibition is a refreshingly colorful escape from the cold days of winter. Orchids will also provide pops of color and fragrance throughout the rest of the interior Conservatory. Exhibit is included with regular admission.

Conservatory Aglow and Holiday Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory

Conservatory Aglow and Holiday Blooms return this season with both new and classic displays to shine a light on Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This holiday exhibits run from Saturday, November 14, 2020 – Sunday, January 10, 2021. The daytime experience, Holiday Blooms, will be open 10am-4pm, while the evening experience, Conservatory Aglow, will be open 5-9pm. 

Holiday Blooms is included with regular admission, and Conservatory Aglow has special after-hours engagement rates which includes access to the entire FPC property.

See other holiday programming, live music, and more at this link.

Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

Don’t miss fall favorite Pumpkins Aglow from October 14th – 18th and 21st – 25th from 5-9pm. Experience the magic of the harvest season at the Conservatory under the stars, surrounded by glowing pumpkins and enchanting scenery. Pumpkins Aglow includes exhibitions, gardens and collections, and Botanica Gift Shop and Greenhouse. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden will close at dusk

October 14-18 from 5-9pm
October 21-25 from 5-9pm

Food Options

The Conservatory’s Food Truck will offer house-made, pre-packaged snacks and lunch items, as well as beverages, including beer and wine. Cash will not be accepted; cards only please. 

The Garden Cafe offers a limited menu of snacks and lunch items, baked goods, as well as drinks and alcoholic beverages. Details.

Snacks and water bottles are permitted; no glass. Outside Food or beverages are not permitted. Picnic tables are available in the beautiful Franklin Park just south of the main Conservatory building. 

Admission and Discounts to Franklin Park Conservatory

Admission to the Franklin Park Conservatory is $19 for adults and over age 12, $16 for seniors, and $12 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.

AAA members: $1 off each adult ticket, $0.50 off each child ticket
College students: $15 ticket price
Active or Retired Service Members: $1 off each ticket (any age)

Columbus Arts & Culture Fee: For all tickets purchased on or after July 1, 2019, a 5% ticket fee will be applied. The Columbus Arts & Culture Fee helps make the arts available to all by funding exemplary artists, arts organizations and programs that educate and engage audiences throughout Greater Columbus.

Franklin Park Conservatory discounts

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. Proof of residence and/or valid ID are required. Community Days aim to make the gardens more accessible to all. 

• April 4, 2021
• May 2, 2021
• June 6, 2021
• July 4, 2021

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. Partners include: 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.

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 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.

Access Pass discounts. The Conservatory provides special discounts to qualifying families to make programming and special events available to all. See website for specific discounts

Save money with Franklin Park Conservatory Membership

Love to explore the various exhibits and events throughout the year?  An annual membership would be worth the cost, as they range from $55 – $185. Senior (60+) memberships are just $40, 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.

If your membership expired during the closure (March 13 – June 12) you may still visit the Conservatory with full member privileges. Your membership renewal is extended equal to the time period of the closure.

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 to qualify 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.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus

Next to the Conservatory, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus is a 4-acre garden with an apiary, rose pavilion, berry house and 40 community garden plots as well as, a demonstration kitchen and Live-Fire Cooking Theater. This area is open to the public at no charge from dawn until dusk. Visitors also enjoy exploring Franklin Park before or after their visit to FPC.

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

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