Big things are blooming at Franklin Park Conservatory.
The Conservatory just announced a jaw-dropping $35 million gift from the Wolfe family, one of the largest philanthropic contributions to an arts and culture organization in Columbus.
The money will fund a complete renovation of the John F. Wolfe Palm House, the Conservatory’s iconic centerpiece, along with the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse and surrounding Wolfe Terrace. Built in 1895, the Palm House is one of just six surviving Victorian-era glasshouses in the country. It’s a historic treasure, and soon, it’s getting a major makeover.
“Supporting the Conservatory through this evolutionary period is both a privilege and a continuation of our family’s nearly century-long commitment,” Ann Wolfe said. “We hope this gift serves as a catalyst for the Conservatory’s bold vision, positioning it among America’s top public gardens.”
The Palm House is more than just a pretty backdrop for Instagram shots (though it’s excellent for that).
It’s been hosting community gatherings, weddings, and cultural events for generations. The planned renovation will restore its signature curved glass panels, add nearly 50 unique palms from around the world, and make the space more energy-efficient and accessible. And don’t worry — the more-than-a-century-old fiddle-leaf fig tree will remain right where it belongs.
Conservatory president and CEO Bruce Harkey called the Wolfe family’s gift “a great civic endeavor,” adding: “Their generosity will nurture the development of an expansive urban oasis here. By investing in the Conservatory, the Wolfe family is driving something that benefits current residents, embraces newcomers, and welcomes visitors from all walks of life.”
The $35 million project is just one piece of the Conservatory’s ambitious North Star Master Plan, revealed earlier this year.
The plan includes more than 15 transformational projects designed to elevate the Conservatory into an internationally recognized botanical destination, complete with new gardens, a visitor center, and stronger ties to the surrounding parkland.
Renovations to the Palm House, Showhouse, and Wolfe Terrace are set to begin January 2026, with a grand reopening planned for summer 2027. Until then, the Conservatory will keep doing what it does best: being one of Columbus’ most beautiful escapes.
