Located in Cincinnati and managed by the city's Department of Parks, the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park is a year round attraction for those who have a keen interest in plants and in horticulture in general.
The first greenhouses were built in Eden Park in the 1880s, designed strictly for growing plants for the park. However, in 1902, the park system decided to open a new greenhouse for public viewing. The plants inside were changed regularly and the greenhouse obtained a regular following of visitors. In 1930, the park commission voted to replace the old greenhouses with a new conservatory, a modern facility the likes of which were springing up all around the country. This new building was to be designed in the Art Deco style of architecture that was so popular in the 20s and 30s and would be made of aluminum and glass. Dubbed simply "The Eden Park Conservatory'', it opened to the public in 1933. Four years later, the name was changed to honor Irwin Krohn's
25 years of service on the Board of Park Commissioners.
Since that time, the conservatory building has been enlarged on numerous occasions to make room for additional displays. Today, it is home to more than 1,000 different species of plants in several permanent display areas. The Palm House consists of a large variety of palm trees as well as hundreds of vines and a beautiful 20 foot-high waterfall. The popular Tropical House depicts the plant life of a tropical rain forest and includes ferns and other trees and plants that survive in the rain forest ecosystem, including vanilla plants, cocoa trees, and guava.
The Krohn Conservatory's beautiful Floral Display House boasts a fragrant collection of citrus trees as well as space for changing seasonal exhibits, including holiday plants during the month of December. The Desert House includes cacti, succulents, and a variety of blooming desert plants.
In 1995, a Bonsai Garden was added, sponsored by the Bonsai Society of Greater Cincinnati. It includes hundreds of tiny trees that fascinate visitors. Finally, the Orchid House, also added in the 1990s, is home to a huge variety of this perennial epiphyte.
In addition to the permanent displays, the Krohn Conservatory is home to an occasional temporary exhibit and some special holiday displays as well, including the annual Educational Christmas Tree, which is decorated with ornaments made of natural materials all made by Conservatory horticulturists. Krohn also sponsors five annual flower shows and a yearly Butterfly Show, which takes place each spring. Guests can even enjoy happy hour or breakfast with the butterflies as they fly freely through a section of the conservatory.
The Krohn Conservatory at Eden Park in Cincinnati is open 365 days a year and there is no charge for admission. Donations, however, are accepted and benefit the conservatory and aid in its upkeep. A Visitor Center is available in the lobby area and there is also a gift shop on site. In addition, the facility is available for rental for special occasions.
Review, comment, or add new information about this topic: