When most people think about Franklin Park Conservatory, they probably picture butterflies, holiday lights, Chihuly glass, or a stroll through the gardens on a sunny afternoon.
What may come as a surprise is just how much impact the Conservatory has beyond its 40-acre campus.
According to a new independent economic study, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens generated $225.4 million in economic output for Ohio between 2018 and 2024, supporting an average of 373 jobs annually while delivering returns on public investment that far exceed national benchmarks for similar cultural institutions.
The report, conducted by SRC Evalmetrics in collaboration with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation, examined the Conservatory’s operations, capital investments, and the spending generated by visitors who travel to Columbus to visit the attraction.
One of the study’s most striking findings centers on the Conservatory’s return on public funding.
Researchers found that for every dollar of operating support provided by the City of Columbus, the Conservatory generated $10.17 in economic output for the local economy.
That figure significantly outpaces national averages for many public cultural and recreation investments. According to the report, parks and recreation investments typically generate about $2.80 in economic activity for every public dollar invested, while cultural institutions average roughly $4.50.
The study also found that the Conservatory generated more than $102 million in labor income for Ohio workers during the six-year period and returned $3.50 in total economic value for every public dollar invested.
“These findings make clear that the Conservatory is not only a treasured public space, but also a powerful economic driver,” said Greater Columbus Arts Council President and CEO Mitch Menchaca in a statement accompanying the report.
Beyond the economic numbers, the report highlighted the Conservatory’s efforts to expand access for local residents. In 2017, free and reduced-price admission accounted for just 2 percent of attendance. By 2024, that number had grown to 25 percent.
The study also looked ahead, projecting significant growth through the Conservatory’s North Star Master Plan.
Researchers estimate the Conservatory’s annual economic impact could grow to between $94 million and $119 million by 2030, more than doubling its current footprint. Employment tied to the institution is projected to increase to more than 900 jobs.
READ MORE: Franklin Park Conservatory Unveils a Game-Changing 25-Year Master Plan
A key part of that strategy involves attracting more visitors from outside Central Ohio. Currently, about 80 percent of visitors are local residents. The study found that each additional percentage point of out-of-state visitation could generate roughly $1 million in annual economic output and support approximately 17 additional jobs.
For Conservatory leaders, the findings reinforce what many visitors already know: Franklin Park Conservatory is much more than a tourist attraction.
As Columbus continues to grow, the institution is positioning itself as both a community resource and a destination capable of drawing visitors from across the country. If the projections outlined in the report prove accurate, its impact on the region may be just beginning.
