Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a premier horticultural and educational institution with a rich history dating back over 150 years.

In 1852, the Franklin County Agriculture Society purchased 88 acres located two miles east of downtown Columbus as a site for the first Franklin County Fair. In 1874, that land was made the official grounds of the Ohio State Fair. Ohio Legislature passed a resolution declaring the site as Franklin Park and open for public use in 1884.

Influenced by the success of Chicago’s World Fair and Columbian Exposition in 1893 and inspired by the City Beautiful movement, the city of Columbus built a grand Victorian-style glass greenhouse in the park. Known today as the Palm House, it opened to the public in 1895 as Franklin Park Conservatory. The park was a popular destination for the surrounding community who enjoyed its carriage paths, lake, and boathouse.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department owned and operated the Conservatory until 1989. During that time, the facility developed a reputation for horticultural excellence with the display of rare and unusual plants. The Conservatory also became a popular location for family gatherings, weddings, and events.