History of Philadelphia Flower Show in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 8, 2025

The Philadelphia Flower Show, produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), is the world's oldest and largest indoor flower show. Held annually at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in early March, it attracts over 250,000 visitors. This prestigious event is a celebration of flowers and horticulture, making it a significant event in the region.

1917: No Show

There was no Philadelphia Flower Show in 1917.

1925: PHS Joined Florist Club

In 1925, the PHS joined the Florist Club, an association of local florist businesses. The 1925 show attracted 84,000 people.

1927: Philadelphia Flower Show, Inc. Established

In 1927, Philadelphia Flower Show, Inc. was established; it assumed management of the Flower Show until the mid-1960s.

1942: No Show

There was no Philadelphia Flower Show in 1942.

1964: Show Production Halted

In 1964, Philadelphia Flower Show Inc. halted production of the show due to difficulty finding a suitable exhibition location.

1966: Show Returned to Civic Center

In 1966, the Philadelphia Flower Show returned, moving to the Philadelphia Civic Center.

1981: Total Attendance

In 1981, total attendance at the Philadelphia Flower Show was 230,000, including paid admissions, exhibitors, judges, PHS members, and the press.

1996: Moved to Pennsylvania Convention Center

In 1996, the Philadelphia Flower Show moved to its present location at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

2007: Legends of Ireland

In 2007, the Philadelphia Flower Show theme "Legends of Ireland," featured Pressed Plant Material that "incorporated a Celtic Knot."

2020: Riviera Holiday

The 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show theme was "Riviera Holiday."

2021: Show Held Outdoors

In 2021, the Philadelphia Flower Show was held outdoors at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in June instead of its usual location at the Pennsylvania Convention Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first time the Philadelphia Flower Show was held outdoors.