Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus

I came from out of town to meet my son here and was chased out by the photography police. Their new policy is $500 per year and $100 per hour to take pictures. Will never go back.

My children liked the glass blown garden. However, they attended with a group from a school for children with autism. The staff was difficult and refused to allow my boys to use their hard earned discount coupon given to them by the library reading program. My son's teacher also said that the FPC staff told the school chaperone's that since the group was a group of children with autism the accompanying the group were "not teachers" so therefore inelgible for the teacher discount. Some were teachers, some were not--FPC staff need a class in dealing with diversity and courtesy.

FPC offers a great weekend escape for your average city dweller. Relaxing tropical gardens populated by exotic butterflies transported my fiance and myself away from our daily routine, if only for a hour. The conservatory has a great range of exhibits, some eductional and some just plain gorgeous. A great way to spend a few hours. They have special exhibits on a weekly basis often combing famous artists artwork or displays and natures natural beauty. Awesome!

Brides beware! This is a horrible place to have your wedding. Construction when they said there wouldn't be, artwork missing when it was promised to be up, incompetent staff, dirty and dusty, Just awful.

It was great and the whole family had fun, But it was expensive. And ther e was no food or drink allowed. the Kids got hungry, so we had to leave after being there just a half hour.

I visited it in Fall and it's good, even if trees in outside gardens were going to die. Informatic system is useful and various. Price is reasonable.

I love the Franklin Park Conservatory any time, but now that they have the permanent Dale Chihuly glass collection, as well as the "Fiori" exhibit (which runs until early '07, I think), the $6 admission price is well worth it. The different enviroments make for a fun time, especially in the winter when the pacific Island room feels great, but try to get there before it gets too cold so you can see the bonsai garden (great for photographs) and the outdoor railway. There's also two branch sculptures from the "branching out" exhibit they had earlier this year; a hut (which is fun to go through) and a family one outside the museum's entrance. A great place for all ages--kids will have fun but so will adults, and if you're a photography fan there are tons of things to photograph, including the koi fish in the Pacific Island room, and the Buddhist temple glassworks in the Himalayan room. The gift shop is also a lot of fun, with plants, art work, and other garden-inspired gifts (as well as gardening instruments) and stuff for kids. A cafe and restrooms are also onsite.

The butterfly exhibit is a MUST SEE. Too bad the exhibit is only open from March to September... I wish it was year-round! I've seen it at least three times and it's always a treat. Great for families or for a date.

Long lines to get in that move WAY too freekin' slow (can we get an up to date register system please as well as people who know how to run it), crowds of people that are way beyond the max capacity I would think, poorly labeled or totally non-labled "exhibits" leaving a person guessing as to what the heck it is they are looking at, "high interest" exhibits that attract standing crowds placed at the WORST points such as the doorway leading to the next eco-system (the Macaw in the rainforest for example). All in all a tremendously average experience that I am not terribly excited about repeating.

The Conservatory is an excellent value and captivates children and adults alike. Seasonal art exhibits are a held year round. Visit outdoor gardens during the summer and be sure grab something from Shane's Gourmet Deli!