The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 1100 South Calhoun Street presents the following events and programs this month.
Featuring:
Raise a Glass! Exhibit
Until November 17, public hours
We’re celebrating 40 years at the Botanical Conservatory. Since 1983, this unique botanical venue has served as a cultural anchor in Fort Wayne, having welcomed nearly three million visitors from near and far! During its 40th anniversary, the Botanical Conservatory is capturing vivid streams of light and reflecting into glimmers of a vibrant future. Raise your glass to the continued health, happiness and success of this community treasure. Sponsored by: Fort Wayne Park Foundation, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Majic 95.1, WANE 15 and Sycamore Tree Care.
Holiday Showcase Exhibit: Gnome for the Holidays
November 23 – January 5, public hours
There’s no place like Gnome for the holidays. This year, the Botanical Conservatory’s seasonal exhibit celebrates the festive culture of holiday homecoming with a whimsical twist. Imaginative displays will warm the hearts of visitors and offer themed opportunities to capture treasured family photos. Cozy accents will tie together a heartfelt display featuring a mythical poinsettia tree along with large fresh cut evergreens and playful touches. Gnome is where the garden is this holiday season. Sponsored by: Air Xray, PNC Charitable Trusts, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Wilson Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
$1 Night Light Display
Wednesday, November 27, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day
Thursdays & Fridays, November 29-December 20, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
The gardens in light are best seen at night! Find yourself surrounded by festive greenery, stunning poinsettias and enchanted scenery as part of illuminated photo ops at the Botanical Conservatory. Cross gift buying off your list after stopping into the Conservatory Shop where there is a unique selection of thoughtful gifts. Kick-off your holidays with a stroll through gardens glistening and glowing on the $1 Night before Thanksgiving. Then come again to the $1 Night Light Display every Thursday and Friday evening from Black Friday leading up to Christmas. Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
$1 Night Light Displays In November:
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Wednesday, Nov. 27 |
5:00-8:00 p.m. |
In conjunction with Downtown Fort Wayne Night of Lights, Conjure Coffee will be open. |
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Friday, Nov. 29 |
5:00-8:00 p.m. |
In the spirit of the season, the Botanical Conservatory welcomes Tom Didier and Todd Frymier who are in the holiday mood and singin’ with style! Find Those 2 Guys in Suits & Ties inside the “Gnome for the Holidays” exhibit from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Standing room only. |
Ben Klinger: Down on Main Street
November 23 – January 5, public hours
As a Fort Wayne native, Ben Klinger has always been drawn to bold fonts, neon signs and historic architecture. Ben is a visual artist whose preferred mediums include ink and acrylic paints. He enjoys paying homage to his hometown and the Hoosier state with bright colors and bold lines. “I can remember, as a child begin fascinated by painted ghost signs, old neon and the old buildings from my neighborhood. I grew up a few blocks from the Rialto and the sign out front just called my name. I love creating art with the hope of sparking the same nostalgia for others.”
Also Happening:
Holly Shopping at the Conservatory
Saturday, November 30, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
On this Day of Holly Shopping, locally owned and operated shops celebrate small businesses throughout downtown Fort Wayne, the West Main Shops and Wells Street Corridor. This includes the Conservatory Shop in partnership with Downtown Fort Wayne! Meet your holiday shopping needs in the Botanical Conservatory’s own “Artisan Village” consisting of local artisans, crafters and unique vendors. In addition, Cozmé Jewelry is hosting a pop-up shopping experience. Conservatory admission is not required to shop.
Raise a Glass! $1 Nights
Thursdays until November 14, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Here’s a toast celebrating not only 40 years as a unique botanical venue for public education and enjoyment, but 200 years since Allen County was officially born. During the Raise a Glass! Garden Exhibit, take advantage of $1 admission every Thursday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Cheers to the Botanical Conservatory as a community treasure serving over 3,000,000 tourists and residents since opening its doors in 1983…and here’s to Allen County steadfast since 1824 with 400,000+ residents thriving and residing today. Together, the Botanical Conservatory and Bicentennial Executive Board wish to celebrate the past, present and future with you!
From Concept to Celebration
Until November 16, public hours
Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
This visual timeline displays the history of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory from an original idea to our current-day fortieth anniversary! Images, news articles and short stories provide historical context during the celebratory Raise a Glass! Garden Exhibit. Enjoy this unique display as a collaboration of archives from both the Foellinger Foundation and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
