Krohn Conservatory to undergo major renovations

Cincinnati’s Krohn Conservatory is a local landmark and a must see on anyone’s trip to the Cincinnati region.  The Conservatory is located in Eden Park and was built in 1933 during the Art Deco era.

The Krohn Conservatory is one of the jewels of the Cincinnati Park system and boasts more than 3,500 plant species from around the world within its four separate greenhouse exhibits – Fern House, Palm House, Desert House and Show House.

The Conservatory also plays host to a number of marquee events throughout the year like the springtime Butterfly Show and the live nativity scene set up each holiday season.

After 75 years of service though, Park Board officials say that major renovations are needed to keep the Conservatory going strong.  The renovation work will take just over a month and force the Conservatory to close during that time.

The impetuous to go forward with such major renovation work at this time was the collapse of the sewer system in front of the Krohn Conservatory.  As a result the facility will be closed from July 20 through August 28, with a re-opening celebration planed for Saturday, August 29.

According to Park Board officials, the renovation work will rebuild the floor of the Show House, rebuild the three exit doors of the building to original design specifications, repair of the drainage system that was originally installed in 1933 that recently collapsed, and will also consist of the construction of a new catwalk in the Palm House to allow for maintenance to the new mist watering system that was installed at the beginning of this year.

Officials note that while the renovation work takes place, the surrounding gardens that follow the theme of historic victory gardens with edible plants will remain open to the public.  The free wireless internet at Krohn will also remain in service so that visitors may continue to access the internet while visiting the facility.

Park Board officials also note that the fall floral show, “Backyard Birds & Wildlife,” will commence on Saturday, September 12 and continue through November 1 with the other fall programs and events.

For those looking for additional information they are instructed to contact Andrea Schepmann at (513) 421-5707.

Writer: Randy Simes
Source: Julie Horne, Cincinnati Parks Board
Photography by Amber Kersley