In the early ’90s, WOSU Public Media produced a documentary featuring Franklin Park Conservatory and its extensive renovation and expansion for AmeriFlora, a six-month-long international horticulture exposition. The documentary was released in 1992, the same year as AmeriFlora.

Watch the documentary and see photos from AmeriFlora below.

Out-of-town visitors were greeted by a Belgian floral carpet “welcome mat” in front of the Ohio Statehouse.

AmeriFlora opened on April 20, 1992.

The total price tag for exposition came to $95 million.

Visitors and Columbus residents flocked to Franklin Park Conservatory for opening day ceremonies.

The ceremonies drew all kinds of people, including some Coneheads.

Comedian Bob Hope kicked off festivities.

Even President George H. W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush came to Columbus to celebrate.

President Bush spoke in front of the historic Palm House.

Visitors were also treated to a few words from the first lady, the event’s honorary patron.

Entertainment included a variety of performances and music.

And what would a Columbus event be without an appearance by Brutus Buckeye?

The exposition spanned 88 acres.

Flowers covered nearly every inch of the conservatory grounds.

The NavStar ’92 sculpture, by Stephen Canneto, represented the sails of Christopher Columbus’ Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. AmeriFlora commemorated the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the New World.

Festivalgoers started at the Gateway to Discovery.

People gathered in the Discovery Plaza to enjoy the fountains and hear live music.

They found even more waterworks at the cascades on the south side of the park.

Paths were marked with arches and plenty of flowers.

Some of the arches were made out of flowers.

Kids and adults enjoyed a Disney display, designed by Scott Girard, a Walt Disney Co. landscape architect who came up from Orlando, Florida.

The display celebrated Disney World’s 20th anniversary.

Visitors recognized familiar Disney characters as topiaries, like these animals from Fantasia.

The International Peace with Justice Garden and sculpture symbolized worldwide unity.

After hosting 2.2 million visitors over six months—a little over half of the project 4 million—AmeriFlora closed on Oct. 12, 1992.

 

Photos: Columbus Metropolitan Library

—Emily Thompson