AmeriFLora ’92

Constructed on the grounds of Franklin Park, an 88-acre urban green space, this international floral and garden exposition was a centerpiece of the United States Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission’s year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of his first voyage to the New World.

Incorporating a collection of indoor and outdoor horticultural displays and venues, the six-month festival showcased art, culture, science, technology, and entertainment from around the world. During its run, from April to October 1992, AmeriFlora ‘92 drew an audience of more than 5.5 million visitors.

The show’s centerpiece was the Franklin Park Conservatory, a glass structure originally constructed in 1895. Built in the grand Victorian style and modeled after the Glass Palace from the 1893 World’s Fair and Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the structure required extensive restoration and renovation. The project also involved a 58,000 square-foot addition to house new plant collections, classrooms, a library, gift shop, cafe and administrative offices.