Big changes are coming to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will be closed to the public Jan. 5-9 as renovations begin on the John F. Wolfe Palm House, Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse and Wolfe Terrace.
According to a news release, the renovation of the Columbus staple will preserve the historic glasshouses, elevate guest and educational experiences and “steward this icon of our city for the next century.” Franklin Park representatives said the update will return the palm house to its Victorian-era design with curved glass panels. This renovation will also allow for a 1,000% increase in ventilation.
The renovation is set to improve energy efficiency with tinted glass, environmental and lighting controls and lighter structural materials. The conservatory also plans to improve accessibility throughout the complex and will add a new curved bridge. Additionally, the plans include preservation of the conservatory’s 100-year-old fig tree and installation of 50 palms trees.
Civic leaders as well as conservatory supporters and partners attended a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project on Sunday. While the conservatory reopens Jan. 9, construction on the palm house, showhouse and terrace will continue through fall 2027.
The conservatory’s holiday exhibits, Holiday Blooms and Conservatory Aglow, closed on Jan. 4. More programs are on the way, though: The Winter Ice Festival begins Jan. 14 and the Orchids exhibit starts Jan. 24.
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