New Study Finds Franklin Park Conservatory Generated $225 Million for Ohio’s Economy Over Six Years

Columbus, OH – June 15, 2026 – A new independent economic study finds that Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens generated $225.4 million in total economic output for Ohio between 2018 and 2024, supports an average of 373 jobs per year, and delivers returns on public investment that exceed national benchmarks for comparable cultural institutions.

The report, conducted by SRC Evalmetrics in collaboration with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation, also projects that the Conservatory’s ongoing North Star Master Plan will more than double its annual economic footprint by 2030 — creating a lasting benefit for Columbus residents, workers, and visitors for generations ahead.

“The economic returns documented here are the result of the generosity of donors, the support of public partners, and hundreds of thousands of people who choose to spend time with us each year,” said Bruce Harkey, president and CEO of Franklin Park Conservatory. “We’re grateful for what this community has built here — and energized by what it tells us is possible ”

Using the IMPLAN input-output modeling system — the industry standard for economic impact research — the study captures the full ripple of FPC’s direct operations, capital investments, and the spending of visitors it draws to the Columbus region. Key findings from the 2018–2024 study period include:

The last figure placed the Conservatory among the most efficient cultural investments in the region. For context, parks and recreation investments nationally return roughly $2.80 per public dollar, and general cultural institutions support averages approximately $4.50. The Conservatory’s $10.17 return reflects both its operational efficiency and its deep integration into the Columbus economy.

“Franklin Park Conservatory proves that arts and culture mean business,” said Greater Columbus Arts Council President & CEO Mitch Menchaca. “These findings make clear that the Conservatory is not only a treasured public space, but also a powerful economic driver — generating jobs, attracting visitors, strengthening local businesses, and delivering a return on public investment that far exceeds national benchmarks. The impact of this study signals an even stronger future for Columbus and for Ohio’s creative and cultural economy.”

Beyond its economic contributions, the Conservatory has expanded free and reduced-price admission from just 2 percent of total attendance in 2017 to 25 percent in 2024, reflecting its commitment to serving all of Columbus.

Looking forward, the study projects that the North Star Master Plan will elevate the Conservatory’s annual economic output to between $94 million and $119 million by 2030, with employment growing to more than 900 jobs.

A central driver of that growth is the Conservatory’s opportunity to draw more visitors from beyond the Columbus metro area. Currently, approximately 80 percent of visitors to the Conservatory are local residents. The study found that each additional percentage point of out-of-state market share adds roughly $1 million in annual economic output and supports approximately 17 new regional jobs — making tourism growth one of the highest-return strategies available to the Conservatory as it expands.

“As Columbus grows, the North Star Master Plan is our commitment to growing in a way that strengthens connections—to nature, to the park, and to the community,” said Harkey. “It’s about creating a more welcoming, gardens-forward experience that enhances everyday life while elevating the Conservatory as a premier destination.”

For more details about the Conservatory’s North Star Master Plan and this report, please visit fpconservatory.org/north-star-master-plan.

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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art and nature-based exhibitions, and educational programs for all ages. Situated on 40 acres on the eastern side of Franklin Park, the Conservatory features the historic 1895 John F. Wolfe Palm House; four biomes of plants in glasshouses; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden; and meeting and event spaces. The Conservatory is also home to the largest collection of glass artwork by Dale Chihuly in a botanical garden.

The Economic Impact of Franklin Park Conservatory and the North Star Master Plan was prepared by SRC Evalmetrics LLC, an Ohio-based economic consulting firm, in collaboration with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation. The analysis employed the IMPLAN input-output modeling system using 2023 benchmark data. All monetary values are presented in 2025 U.S. dollars.