Krohn Conservatory has announced the official unveiling of a new public art installation.
The sculpture, which captures the delicate intricacy of a monarch butterfly in mid-flight, is fabricated from high-grade stainless steel and adorned with a classic monarch butterfly pattern, according to a release from Iron Belle Metal Design.
The butterfly sculpture was handcrafted by local artist Jordan Graff, owner of Iron Belle Metal Design. It is located at the top of the Krohn Conservatory’s entryway.
“Creating something for a place as iconic as Krohn Conservatory is an incredible honor,” Graff said. “The butterfly is a symbol of transformation. I wanted to use the strength and permanence of stainless steel to capture the creature’s natural beauty. I hope visitors feel that sense of wonder when they walk through the doors into this wonderful place.”
The public is invited to attend the Destination Monarch Butterfly Show at Krohn Conservatory from May 9 through Aug. 9, 2026.
Graff spent months conceptualizing and fabricating the piece, he said.
Graff has created several iconic sculptures in and around the Tri-State area, Graff said. Notable examples include the star atop the Fountain Square Christmas tree and an 18-foot-tall wildflower sculpture for Cincinnati Nature Center.
Known for his organic forms and mastery of metalwork, Graff’s involvement highlights the conservatory’s commitment to supporting the local artistic community, the release said.
Krohn Conservatory, a landmark of Cincinnati Parks, is located at 1501 Eden Park Drive and is part of Eden Park. Krohn Conservatory opened in 1933. The land in the park once belonged to Nicholas Longworth, who called it his Garden of Eden.