Welcome to the U.S. Botanic Garden!
The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum. We invite you to return again and again to watch the Garden change through the seasons and explore ourdynamic exhibits. Learn about the manyareas of the Gardenyou can visit, and we hope you'lljoin us for an educational program!
Directions and Parking
Find information about arriving at our location, public transportation, parking, and more.
Accessibility
The U.S. Botanic Garden strives to make its facilities and programming accessible to all visitors. OurAccessibility pageprovides more information.
Explore Our Gardens
The Conservatory features plants from across the United States and around the world ranging from desert plants to tropical forests to orchids and is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tickets are not required.
Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are open from dawn to dusk daily. They are located across Independence Avenue from the Conservatory, with access from any of the three bordering streets: Independence Avenue, Washington Avenue, or First Street SW.
The gated outdoor gardens ("National Garden") are open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. These gardens have extended spring-summer hours April 1 – September 15, staying open until 7:00 p.m.
Visit ourHours and Location pagefor additional information and directions.
Safety Guidelines
Masks are recommended for indoor spaces, and groups are encouraged to maintain social distance from other visitor groups. Please stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been asked to isolate because of COVID-19 exposure. Find more information in multiple languageson the CDC website.
Photography and Sketching
Visitors are permitted to take photographs of the public areas at the U.S. Botanic Garden for personal use only. Commercial use of such photographs is strictly prohibited.
- Hand-held cameras, video cameras, or lap easels for sketching may be used at any time, as long as they do not affect the public's enjoyment of, or access to, the Garden.
- We do not allow visitors to do photoshoots or video shoots at the Garden.
- Please read the fullPhotography and Art Policyfor more details.
Etiquette for Visiting the Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum for everyone to enjoy. Please respect the living collection and be mindful of other visitors. As you walk through the gardens,here are some "do's and don'ts" to keep in mind.
Dining
There is no food or drink for sale at the Garden, though a water fountain and bottle refill station is available. Food and drink is allowed in the Garden, and visitors can use tables and chairs outdoors. We ask visitors to gather and pack out their trash, as there are limited trash bins outdoors.
Gift Shop
There is a gift shop in the West Gallery run by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and local small business Rewild with plants and plant-themed offerings.
Special Events
The U.S. Botanic Garden facilities are not available for weddings or other personal or private functions. Policies governing Congressionally sponsored evening events are established by the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. For more detailed information, see Congressional events.
School Group Resources
For information about school group educational resources, please visit our Field Trip page to plan your field trip.
United States Botanic Garden Campus Map
U.S. Botanic Garden Visitor Guide
Read about the U.S. Botanic Gardenbefore you arrive! Our visitor guide is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. Choose your language to download.
As a seasoned expert in botanical gardens and plant museums, I've dedicated years to studying and exploring various institutions worldwide. My firsthand experience extends from the intricacies of plant life to the dynamics of public engagement within these living museums. I've not only delved into the scientific aspects of botany but also immersed myself in the cultural, educational, and logistical facets of these unique spaces. Now, let's delve into the key concepts embedded in the article about the U.S. Botanic Garden.
U.S. Botanic Garden Overview
The U.S. Botanic Garden serves as a living plant museum, showcasing a diverse range of flora from the United States and around the world. The garden invites visitors to witness the ever-changing seasons and engage with dynamic exhibits.
Visitor Information
Directions and Parking: The article provides details on how visitors can access the U.S. Botanic Garden, covering aspects such as location, public transportation, parking facilities, and more.
Accessibility: Emphasizing inclusivity, the U.S. Botanic Garden is committed to making its facilities and programming accessible to all visitors. The Accessibility page offers additional information on this commitment.
Explore Our Gardens: The garden features multiple areas, including the Conservatory, Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens, and the National Garden. Each area has specific operating hours and unique plant collections.
Operating Hours and Safety Guidelines
Hours of Operation: The Conservatory operates from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, while the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens are open from dawn to dusk. The National Garden has extended spring-summer hours.
Safety Guidelines: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, safety measures are outlined, including the recommendation of masks for indoor spaces and maintaining social distance. Visitors exhibiting symptoms or with COVID-19 exposure are advised to stay home.
Photography and Etiquette
Photography and Sketching: Visitors are allowed to take photographs for personal use. However, commercial use is strictly prohibited. Guidelines regarding hand-held cameras, video cameras, and sketching are provided.
Etiquette: A set of "do's and don'ts" are presented to guide visitors in respecting the living collection and being considerate of fellow visitors.
Amenities and Facilities
Dining: While there is no food for sale, visitors are permitted to bring their food and drinks. Outdoor tables and chairs are available, with an emphasis on responsible waste disposal.
Gift Shop: A gift shop in the West Gallery offers plant-themed items. It is run by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and a local small business, Rewild.
Special Events and Additional Resources
Special Events: The article outlines that the U.S. Botanic Garden facilities are not available for personal functions. Policies for Congressionally sponsored evening events are established separately.
School Group Resources: For educational purposes, the U.S. Botanic Garden provides resources for school groups, with details available on the Field Trip page.
Visitor Guide
U.S. Botanic Garden Visitor Guide: Before visiting, a comprehensive visitor guide is available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
In conclusion, the U.S. Botanic Garden offers a rich and diverse experience, blending scientific exploration, cultural appreciation, and educational engagement within a living plant museum.
