Updated October 8, 2018

The winter months are a perfect time to visit local museums and conservatories.  For a warm, colorful break from the dreary cold, explore the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio.  Starting in January, the conservatory displays hundreds of orchids and tropical plants that will momentarily transport you to the balmy islands of the southern hemisphere.   The conservatory will be flooded with the invasion of exotic flowers from all over the world and is a welcome getaway within the city of Columbus, Ohio.

Exotic Orchid Display

Delicate Butterfly Collecting Nectar

Shortly after the Orchid Exhibit, the Franklin Park Conservatory will host the Blooms & Butterflies exhibit where the butterflies, after having been held captive in their cocoon, will emerge from their pupa as a new creature.  The artwork of nature is displayed in the wings of the butterfly and is unique in each species, from its color to its design.  The exhibit begins mid- March and will continue on through the summer until mid-September when the last of the butterflies are released into the wild.

The Exceptional Artistic Talent of Dale Chiluly

Permanent art collections are on display at the conservatory which includes the colorful works of Dale Chiluly, a world renowned artist of glass.   The items exhibited throughout the venue were purchased from Chiluly’s exposition in 2003.  The whimsical characteristics of each piece as well as the unique, vibrant shades of color make each design a masterpiece of artistic expression.

Franklin Park Conservatory hosts several exhibitions throughout the year and upcoming events are posted on their website.  Over the fall, there were four exhibitions in the month of October to include “Field” and “Bonsai Display” open until November 14, 2015 and “Topiaries at the Conservatory” and “Harvest Blooms” lasted until October 25, 2015.   In addition, the venue schedules a wide variety of classes, outreach programs and special events for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Organizations.    The conservatory’s hours are 10am to 9pm, closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  General Admission, ages 13 – 59, is $14 per person.  Seniors 60 years of age and older are $11 while children between the ages of 3 – 12 may enter for $7 per child. Members and children 2 and under are admitted at no charge.  Check out the Conservatory’s  website for the most updated information on the sponsored events.

For a list of camps, classes, outreach and school programs, visit the Education & Programs tab on the Franklin Park’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s website.

The conservatory’s Botanica Giftshop and Greenhouse offers unique merchandise and exclusive gifts, including plants and children’s items.  The giftshop is open from 10am to 9pm daily.

The Garden Café is open weekdays from 11am to 3pm with weekend hours from 11am to 4pm.  The Food Truck is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm.  Garden Café’s menu offers made from scratch sandwiches, salads and soups (Garden Cafe only) as well as baked goods and snacks.  In addition to soft drinks, coffee and tea, beer and wine are also available.

Please note that the information provided here is subject to change, so refer to Franklin Park Conservatory’s website for the most up to date information or call them directly at 614 715 8000.

So the next time you are looking for something to do and want to stay warm indoors, stop by the conservatory for the opportunity to experience nature year around.

I would love to hear about your favorite museum, theater or conservatory that you enjoy visiting in the winter months.  Please leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite venue! Many thanks for reading about my therapeutic experience at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio  43215
Telephone: 614 715 8000

• Admission Fee:  $18 per person (ages 13 – 59); $15 for Seniors (60+); $11 for children 3 – 12); Members and children under 2 are FREE
• Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 5PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas);  Garden Café:  11AM – 3PM (Monday – Friday) and 11AM – 4PM on weekends;  Botanica Gift Shop:  10AM – 5PM  Check the Franklin Park and Conservatory website for the hours of operation of the John F. Wolfe Palm House
• Amenities:  gift shop, café, conservatory map, special events and educational programs
• Guided Tours and Conservatory Map:  Guided Tours are available for groups of 15 or more.  Map available online or at the conservatory
• Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours and an additional 1 hour if you intend to enjoy lunch
• Tips for Your Visit:  Check the conservatory’s website for special events such as the Butterfly Exhibit and Orchids.  During the summer, the conservatory hosts a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays.

Where to Stay:

The Lofts Hotel
55 E. Nationwide Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio  43215
Telephone:  614 461 2663

Where to Eat:

The Garden Cafe, inside Franklin Park Conservatory
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio  43215
Telephone:  614 715 8130

Salad, sandwiches and soups are made from local, seasonal ingredients grown at the conservatory. Save room for delicious desserts and homemade pastries.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
• North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
• The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
• Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

• Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
• Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
• Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
• Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

• Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
• Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
• Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
• Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
• Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
• Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
• German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
• Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
• Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
• Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
• Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
• Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
• Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
• Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
• Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
• Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
• Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
• Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
• Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
• Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
• Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

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Additional Photos