Mapping

**Exile Diary: Drawing the Maps of Memory - Queer Bridges** with ***Youde Belie Monga*** for **LGBTQIA+ Queer Migrants** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/queer-bridges-monday/w22-2026/)** 🔵 This workshop invites participants to begin an “Exile Diary”; a visual practice for remembering and retelling personal experiences. Through drawing and simple documentation techniques, participants will explore memory, create a personal notebook, and develop their own visual language using words, symbols, and references. The workshop also reflects on how individual stories connect to broader historical and political contexts. This workshop invites participants to begin an “Exile Diary”; a visual and reflective practice for remembering, retelling, and inscribing personal experiences. It offers a supportive space to explore how memory, identity, and storytelling intertwine. Together, we will use drawing and visual exercises to access and express intimate experiences, while developing simple and accessible ways to document both significant moments and the textures of everyday life. Participants will create a small, personal notebook designed to be continued over time; as an ongoing practice or a way to capture meaningful moments as they arise. **General Information** **Participants**: This workshop is for all who identify as LGBTQ+ and have experienced migration and/or displacement. If you don’t share these experiences but are interested in joining please reach out to us first to see if space is available. We ask that all participants respect the program’s core focus and contribute to fostering an open respectful space. **Registration**: This event has limited spots available. Registration through our website is therefore required. **Language**: English **Cost:** The event is free of charge.

* German below -
Please bring clean indoor shoes with you to the location <3 The event fee varies between 5 to 10 Euros. 

Hey You!
On Friday I will teach you a few basic steps of shuffling. We will break down the steps, in your time, in your style.
We will explore your own flow of your body to different kinds of music and how we can use it in shuffling. I want to create a safe space for everyone who is just starting their shuffle journey or is already on the path. 

Address:
Milastraße 4
10437 Berlin
“Aziza-tanzt Tanzschule” 

Hallo Du!
Diesen Freitag möchte ich Dir ein paar Basic-Schritte vom Shufflen zeigen. Wir werden die Schritte langsam durchgehen, in deiner Zeit, in deinem Tempo.
Wir werden den eigenen Flow entdecken und wie Du deinen Körper zu verschiedner Musik im Shufflen integrieren kannst.
Ich möchte für jede Person einen Safe-Space erschaffen, egal ob Du ganz Neu bist oder schon etwas gelernt hast. 

Adresse:
Milastraße 4
10437 Berlin
“Aziza-tanzt Tanzschule”

Bachata (the dance of our generation) is a social couple dance like Salsa - no choreography. The community in Berlin is active daily - you will meet a lot of open-minded people and make new friends quickly! This Friday we have Bachata dance classes in Berlin - we are usually a group of around 20 people (95% beginners): 🕖 19:00 class: Beginners-+ Bachata Technique (0-1+ years experience) • No partner needed - we switch (for couples: partner rotation is optional). • You can start from zero in any of these classes! 📍 Adress: Jakob-Mierscheid-Steg ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pjXopSSqAt55FQGW9)) - near S+U Hauptbahnhof We are down by the river. • Price: 12€ per class (10er-card = 100€). ✅ Dance teacher contact: [WhatsApp-group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) 🇩🇪: Bachata (der Tanz unserer Generation) ist ein sozialer Paartanz wie Salsa - keine Choreographie. Die Bachata-Szene in Berlin ist groß und täglich aktiv - du wirst schnell viele offene Leute kennenlernen und neue Freundschaften schließen! Am Freitag findet dieser Bachata Tanzkurs statt - wir sind meistens eine Gruppe von 20+ Leuten (95% Anfänger): 🕖 19 Uhr Kurs: Anfänger-+ Bachata Technik (0-1+ Jahre Erfahrung) • Kein Partner nötig - wir wechseln (für Paare ist der Partner-Wechsel optional). • Du kannst in diesen Kursen jederzeit von null starten! 📍 Adresse: Jakob-Mierscheid-Steg ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pjXopSSqAt55FQGW9)) - Nähe S+U Hauptbahnhof Wir sind unten am Wasser. • Preis: 12€ je Kurs (10er-Karte = 100€). ✅ Tanzlehrer Kontakt: [WhatsApp-Gruppe](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) Schreib uns gerne eine Nachricht, wenn du offene Fragen hast! Wir freuen uns auf dich ❤ Bachata Classes Berlin

Du möchtest dein Deutsch (Niveau **B1** bis **C1**) in entspannter Atmosphäre üben und neue Leute kennenlernen? Dann komm zu unserem regelmäßigen Sprachcafé ans Goethe-Institut Berlin! In unserem sonnigen Hinterhof sind alle herzlich willkommen – ganz besonders internationale Teilnehmende, die spielerisch und ohne Druck ihre Deutschkenntnisse verbessern möchten. In lockeren Gesprächsrunden tauschen wir uns aus, lachen zusammen und knüpfen neue Kontakte. Für eine gemütliche Stimmung sorgen Kaffee, Tee und Kekse – du musst nur dich selbst mitbringen. Voraussetzung: mindestens solide Grundkenntnisse (B1) Die Veranstaltung ist kostenfrei! Wir freuen uns auf dich! 🌍

Today we are working in a beautiful location at Alexanderplatz with desks, power sockets, free WiFi, available food/drinks and air conditioning. We will be working on the second floor of the building with a beautiful view of the Fernsehturm. NOTE: We don't share the venue location publicly. Find out where it is by joining our Telegram chat group: **[https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly](https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly)** 😴 Tired of working by yourself? 🌡️ Too hot or too cold to work at home? 🍫 Contents of your fridge or the laundry distracting you? 💻 Come join other freelancers and remote workers for coworking! ☕️ There are no membership requirements, free WiFi, some power sockets, a large desk, some affordable coffee, toasted sandwiches and drinks! ⏰ We'll be there from the start time, but feel free to stop by any time. • WHAT TO BRING • Whatever you need to work on your own project / tasks :) • QUESTIONS? • Join our Telegram chat group to ask any questions: [https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly](https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly) • MORE EVENTS? • To have more events, we need more organisers. If you would like to help out, please get in touch [😀](https://emojipedia.org/grinning-face/)

🍕 **Data & AI Lunch Meetup – Pizza & Exciting Conversations** 🍕 The next **DVC Data & AI Lunch Meetup Berlin** is coming up! We’ll gather for a **shared lunch** and discuss everything around **Data & AI**. **When:** Friday, May 29, 2026, 12:30 PM **Where:** Monte Mente, Das Center am Potsdamer Platz **Cost:** Self-pay **Topic:** Exchange on Data & AI Join us for a great time of pizza and discussion on the latest developments in the **data world**! Looking forward to an exciting exchange with you! 🍕🤝 [#Data](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Data) [#AI](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#AI) [#Meetup](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Meetup) [#Networking](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Networking) [#Innovation](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#Innovation) [#DataStrategy](https://www.datavaluecreation.com/search/posts?query=%23#DataStrategy)

**Rust Berlin Talks** is back for another evening of talks, shared ideas, and networking. Join us to learn, share, ask, and connect. If you work with Rust professionally, use it in side projects, contribute to open source, or are simply curious to learn more, you are very welcome. **Agenda** * Doors open: 18:30 * Start: 19:00 * Talks * Open mic / lightning talks * Networking **Speakers** Egor Lebedev - Welcome and a short note from the RustRover team Wolf Vollprecht - Pixi - A cross-platform package manager written in Rust Florian Gilcher - LLM Policies **Speaker Bios** Wolf Vollprecht is the founder and CEO of prefix.dev, where he builds open-source software supply chain infrastructure for the conda ecosystems. Core projects include Pixi (a cross-platform package manager written in Rust), rattler (crates to work with Conda packages), and rattler-build. With \~7 years in the conda ecosystem, including creating Mamba during his time at QuantStack, Wolf has a lot of experience in making package management fast, reproducible, and secure. Florian Gilcher used to be part of the Rust team in several positions and served as a member of the Rust Foundation board. He is also a co-founder of the Rust Berlin meetup. Today, he’s training Rust at Ferrous Systems, a company he co-founded. **Open mic & future talks** We’ll reserve a few short slots for anyone who wants to share something with the group. This can be a quick idea, a project, or an experience. Slides are optional. If you’re interested in giving a longer talk at a future meetup, this is also a good opportunity to connect with the organizers. **Venue & access** Please arrive on time. We will have someone at the entrance to let people in between 18:30 and 19:15. After that, access becomes more difficult as the doors are locked and require manual opening. **Registration** The venue has limited capacity and events typically fill up with a waiting list. If you register and can no longer attend, even at short notice, please un-RSVP so someone else can take your spot. Looking forward to seeing you all!

**Outdoor – Through Forest and Moorland around Lake Bötzsee and Lake Fängersee near Strausberg** with ***Harms*** and ***Thomas*** **Start: 11:00 a.m., Hegermühle S-Bahn station (S5), platform** **Return: Hegermühle S-Bahn station (S5)** **LGBTQIA +** **[Free with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/village-outdoor/w22-2026)** In May, a varied circular hike leads us through the beautiful Strausberg and Blumenthal Forest and Lake District nature reserve. The trail runs mostly along the shores of Lake Bötzsee and Lake Fängersee, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding nature Distance: approx. 13 km (approx. 5 hours) In May, a varied circular hike leads us through the beautiful Strausberg and Blumenthal Forest and Lake District nature reserve. The trail runs mostly along the shores of Lake Bötzsee and Lake Fängersee, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Along the way, we’ll encounter old, sometimes dilapidated, mills that tell tales of bygone eras. Idyllic bathing spots invite you to take a break – and perhaps it will even be warm enough for a first dip in the lake. Since places to stop for refreshments along the way are not guaranteed, please remember to bring sufficient provisions and something to drink – better safe than sorry! **What’s Village Outdoor?** Village outdoor Events are monthly meetups for the we are village community and their friends to enjoy outdoor activities in and around Berlin. Activities include forest hikes, bike tours, swimming in lakes, sightseeing, and kayaking. Each month features a free and easy walk or hike in Berlin or its surrounding areas, accessible by public transport. 🔵 **Outdoor – Durch Wald und Moor um Bötz- und Fängersee bei Strausberg** mit ***Harms*** und ***Thomas*** **Start: 11 Uhr, S-Bahnhof Hegermühle (S5), Bahnsteig** **Rückfahrt: S-Bahnhof Hegermühle (S5)** Fur **LGBTQIA+** **[Kostenlos mit Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/village-outdoor/w22-2026/)** Im Mai führt uns eine abwechslungsreiche Rundwanderung durch das wunderschöne Landschaftsschutzgebiet Strausberger und Blumenthaler Wald- und Seengebiet. Der Weg verläuft größtenteils entlang der Ufer von Bötzsee und Fängersee und bietet immer wieder beeindruckende Ausblicke auf die Natur. Die ca. 13 km (ca. 5 Std.) Im Mai führt uns eine abwechslungsreiche Rundwanderung durch das wunderschöne Landschaftsschutzgebiet Strausberger und Blumenthaler Wald- und Seengebiet. Der Weg verläuft größtenteils entlang der Ufer von Bötzsee und Fängersee und bietet immer wieder beeindruckende Ausblicke auf die Natur. Unterwegs begegnen wir alten, teils verfallenen Mühlen, die von vergangenen Zeiten erzählen. Immer wieder laden idyllische Badestellen zu einer Pause ein – und vielleicht ist es ja schon warm genug für ein erstes Bad im See. Da Einkehrmöglichkeiten unterwegs nicht garantiert sind, denkt bitte an ausreichend Proviant und etwas zu trinken – sicher ist sicher! **Was ist Village Outdoor?** Village Outdoor Events sind monatliche Treffen der we are village-Community und ihrer Freunde, um Outdoor-Aktivitäten in und um Berlin zu genießen. Zu den Aktivitäten gehören Waldwanderungen, Radtouren, Schwimmen in Seen, Sightseeing und Kajakfahren. Jeden Monat gibt es einen kostenlosen und unkomplizierten Spaziergang oder eine Wanderung in Bereichen Berlins oder in der Umgebung, die mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln erreichbar sind.

*English follows below* **Berlin hat genug Postkarten. Diesmal geht's darum, herauszufinden, welches Bild darin wirklich deins ist**. In 3 Stunden bewegen wir uns von Ostkreuz über das RAW-Gelände und die Warschauer Brücke bis zur Oberbaumbrücke. Durch Orte, die bewusst ausgewählt sind, weil sie voller Kontraste, Bewegung und dieser typischen Berlin-Energie stecken, die man nicht inszenieren kann. Kein geführter Rundgang, kein Motivabhaken. Eher ein gemeinsamer Spielplatz für Fokus, Aufmerksamkeit und den eigenen fotografischen inneren Blick. **Im Mittelpunkt steht eine Frage, die bei normalen Fotowalks fast nie gestellt wird: Wie filterst du aus all dem Lärm, den Reizen und den tausend möglichen Motiven einer Großstadt heraus, was dir eigentlich wichtig ist?** Nicht was sehenswert ist laut Reiseführer. Was dich wirklich anhält. Mit kleinen Übungen, echtem Austausch und Orten, die genug Reibung haben um interessant zu werden, schauen wir gemeinsam darauf, wie Fokus, Vorstellungskraft und das eigene Kopfkino beeinflussen, welche Bilder entstehen. Und warum manche Fotos später noch leben, während andere drei Sekunden nach dem Öffnen schon vergessen sind. Manche merken hier zum ersten Mal, wie stark die eigene Wahrnehmung Fotografie verändert. Den Abschluss macht ein echter Berliner Moment. Späti-Kaltgetränk, Streetfood, ein paar der bekanntesten Postkartenmotive der Stadt um uns umgeben. Nicht als Touristen-Selfie-Spot, sondern um die eigenen Bilder nochmal anders zu sehen und durch die Blickwinkel der anderen Ideen mitzunehmen, auf die man alleine nicht gekommen wäre. Smartphone oder Kamera, Einsteiger oder Profi: Der Raum ist groß genug, damit jeder auf dem eigenen Niveau arbeiten kann. Was zählt, ist Neugier auf die eigene Wahrnehmung und Lust auf mehr als die typische Touri-Fototour. SpendenBeitrag ab 20 €. => Kleine Gruppe, volle Aufmerksamkeit. Ich freu mich auf dich und deinen Blick. Auf die Bilder, die noch niemand gemacht hat, weil sie auf dich gewartet haben. Vorfreudige Grüße Pierre \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Between Postcard Motif & Your Image** **Berlin has enough postcards. This time it's about finding out which image in it is truly yours.** In 3 hours we move from Ostkreuz through the RAW Gelände and Warschauer Brücke to Oberbaumbrücke. Through places chosen deliberately because they're full of contrasts, movement and that typical Berlin energy you can't stage. No guided tour, no checklist of spots. More like a shared playground for focus, attention and your own inner photographic eye. **At the center is a question that almost never gets asked on regular photo walks: How do you filter out from all the noise, the stimuli and the thousand possible subjects of a big city what actually matters to you?** Not what's worth seeing according to a travel guide. What genuinely stops you in your tracks. With small exercises, real exchange and places that have enough friction to become interesting, we look together at how focus, imagination and your own inner vision influence which images emerge. And why some photos still feel alive later, while others are forgotten three seconds after opening them. Some people notice for the first time here how strongly their own perception changes photography. The ending is a real Berlin moment. Cold "Späti" drinks and/or street food, surrounded by a few of the city's most iconic postcard motifs. Not as a tourist selfie spot, but to see your own images differently and take home ideas from other people's perspectives that you wouldn't have found alone. **Smartphone or camera, beginner or pro: The space is wide enough for everyone to work at their own level. What counts is curiosity about your own perception and the desire for more than the typical tourist photo tour.** Suggested donation from 20 €. => Small group, full attention. I'm looking forward to you and your eye. To the images nobody has made yet, because they've been waiting for you. Warm regards and anticipation, Pierre

English is below In kurz & authentisch & unseriöser Künstler:) inneres und dann äußeres Fotoauge trainieren und Spaß dran haben. Wahrnehmung, Fotografie, Streetfood, Walk & beste U-Bahn :) Dazwischen Berlin in urban, lebendig, divers, dreckig, wunderschön, direkt im Kiezleben, mind. 1 Späti-Getränk, viele Reize und immer wieder ein Fokus. Dein Fokus. Wirst ihn immer wieder neu, anders, vertiefend für dich kennen lernen. Zwischen Ostkreuz bis Markthalle 9 wird unser Spielplatz sein. Ich freu mich darauf :) ausführlich, seriös: Dieser Street Walk verbindet urbane Erfahrung, Wahrnehmung und Fotografie in Berlin. Wir bewegen uns bewusst abseits klassischer Touristenrouten durch Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg und die Übergänge dazwischen. Straßenleben, Menschen, Bewegung und Streetfood gehören dabei genauso dazu wie das Fotografieren selbst. Dieses Format versteht sich weniger als klassische Fototour und mehr als urbane Erfahrung zwischen Wahrnehmung, Stadtgefühl und Fotografie. Die Kamera dient dabei nicht nur zum Festhalten von Motiven, sondern als Werkzeug, um bewusster zu sehen und Momente anders wahrzunehmen. Wer Lust hat auf schnelle Touristenbilder oder reine Technikvermittlung, wird hier wahrscheinlich nicht ganz glücklich. Wer dagegen neugierig darauf ist, wie stark Wahrnehmung, Aufmerksamkeit und Atmosphäre beeinflussen, welche Bilder entstehen und welche Erinnerungen bleiben, dürfte hier genau richtig sein. Das Format richtet sich an fotointeressierte Menschen, an Menschen ausm Kiez genauso wie auch Touris, die Berlin mal anders erleben wollen. Nicht als klassische Tour, sondern näher dran. Manche kommen fürs Fotoauge, manche für die Atmosphäre, manche einfach, um die Stadt (wieder) bewusster wahrzunehmen. Ich komme aus der Wahrnehmungspsychologie mit meiner Leidenschaft für Fotografie und verbinde diesen Blick mit urbanem Erleben. Und klar, auch der Gang zum Späti darf dabei nicht fehlen. Die ersten Walks sind Teil einer Beta Phase, in der ich gemeinsame Street Experiences auch ausserhalb von Teamevents ausprobieren möchte. Damit dieses Format in dieser Form möglich bleibt und sich entwickeln kann, liegt die Spendenempfehlung ab 20€. Bring Neugier, Kamera und/oder Smartphone für deine Wahrnehmung mit. Der Rest passiert unterwegs. Ich freue mich auf euch und auf die ersten gemeinsamen Walks diesen Sommer. This street walk combines urban exploration, perception and photography in Berlin. We make a conscious effort to stay away from the usual tourist routes, exploring Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and the areas in between. Street life, people, movement and street food are just as much a part of the experience as the photography itself. This format is less of a traditional photography tour and more of an urban experience that blends perception, a sense of the city and photography. The camera serves not only to capture subjects, but as a tool to see more consciously and perceive moments differently. Those looking for quick tourist snaps or purely technical instruction are unlikely to be entirely satisfied here. On the other hand, anyone curious about how strongly perception, attention and atmosphere influence which images are created and which memories remain is likely to be in exactly the right place here. The format is aimed at people interested in photography, at Berliners from the neighbourhood as well as those who want to experience Berlin in a different way. Not as a traditional tour, but something more intimate. Some come for the photographic eye, some for the atmosphere, and some simply to perceive the city more consciously again. I come from a background in perceptual psychology with a passion for photography, and I combine this perspective with urban experiences. The first walks are part of a beta phase, during which I’d like to try out shared street experiences outside of team events as well. To ensure this format can continue in its current form, the suggested donation is from €20. Bring along your curiosity, a camera or a smartphone to capture your experiences. The rest will happen as we go. I look forward to seeing you all and to our first walks together this summer. Pierre

Bring a blanket, maybe a drink or snack, and 3–5 books you’d like to pass on, and spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon with fellow readers at the Gleisdreieck Park. Novels, philosophy books, poetry, comics, forgotten favorites — in any language — everything is welcome. Maybe you’ll leave with fewer books — or more. Both are part of the adventure. This is not a formal market or networking event — just a cozy little community gathering with books, conversations, and a bit of curiosity. Come browse, swap, chat, or simply enjoy the atmosphere on the grass. Orga The meetup will only take place when the **weather is good**. Please keep an eye on notifications. This meetup is donation based. Your contribution helps keep this community alive and is highly appreciated. You can either contribute in cash or via Buy me a Coffee: [https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar](https://buymeacoffee.com/butterflyradar) Questions? Check our Meetup-FAQs: [https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/](https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/) Meet your host I’m Julia — a Berlin local who loves bringing people together. My path went from growing up in a dance school to studying philosophy to working in IT support, and somehow all of that led me here: hosting meetups and creating spaces where people can show up, relax, and connect. Insta [https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/](https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/) About The Social Butterfly Club 🦋 is a Berlin-based community that has been bringing people together for over three years. Each gathering is part of a larger framework designed to help friendships grow through shared experiences in the city — with a long-term vision of turning Berlin itself into a shared, playful experience. Love the vibe? There’s a whole community waiting for you. 🦋 Join the Social Butterfly Club and experience Berlin together: [https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/](https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/)

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee Agenda --- Hosted By James Power, Organizer Pete Gordon, Organizer Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet. Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

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