Reviews of National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. (Museum) in Washington (District of Columbia).

National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

391 Reviews

185 Comments

Museum

Museum

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

Description

Information of National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Museum in Washington (District of Columbia)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

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Reviews of National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Anahi Diaz

We went on a weekday during spring break and that didn’t crowd the place. So many beautiful flowers outside of the main area and inside there are quite a lot of bee’s but their all male worker bee’s and they don’t have stingers so the worry of getting stung is reduced. Seeing all the different kind on bonsai trees was a great learning experience and quite nice to look at. I recommend going here first before going to the pillars because in the building it’s connected to has pamphlets with a map and restrooms.

Deanna Chung

A comprehensive collection of bonsai trees, a must see! There is a North American, Japanese, and Chinese section currently. One of the Japanese ones is from 1625 - passed down from 5 generations. There are a large assortment of trees ranging from maple to cypress to juniper, oak, elm, fig redwood, and more. It's incredible, worth a visit, and not too many tourists around. It is outdoors but there is an indoor exhibit about rockscapes. The whole area itself can be done within an hour but there are benches to sit and rest. No dogs specifically in this exhibit.

Madhu Kalepu

A place for garden, nature lovers! Time well spent by exploring various Bonsai Trees, fresh air. At this place, you can find 3 Bonsai pavilions Japanese, Chinese, North American. And, a great place for photos. There is parking near this place which is free, entry is free. No crowd when we visited during the weekend

rosetta m

Truly one of the coolest places I have ever been to in my entire life. It's FREE which is AMAZING given the current climate. We went when it was getting pretty cold out but you do a bunch of walking so you don't even notice! I'm not sure I had ever seen a bonsai tree in real life prior and getting to see dozens and dozens and dozens of ancient trees was spectacular beyond words. They do have the inside of the building closed off where other bonsais reside, which isn't mentioned on the website, but I assume this is due to covid or possibly the weather. Worth it regardless and would give a 50/10 if I could Outside of the bonsai displays was something even more magical - an entire garden of herbs, vegetables, flowers, and other plants. They have the garden sectioned off to show you how they are/were used in history, such as how certain plants are used for dyes in clothing, or to help with a severe illness, or even just an everyday cold remedy. It was SO neat and I learned so much. I cannot wait to go back in the spring and summer when everything will be blooming and sprawling. There are also pathways uphill across the main road into the woods that show even more plant life. It's a very easy uphill walk and there is even a pond at one point nestled in a cute little nook with benches. This is truly one of the most magical places I have ever visited.

Austin Graff

Located within the U.S. National Arboretum is one of D.C.'s most off-the-beaten-path museums- the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. It's well worth a visit. Here's why: 1) Admission: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, admission is free. 2) Exhibits: Paths lead visitors through exhibits that include bonsai from Japan, China, and North America. They also have a stone exhibit as well. 3) Space: It's very peaceful. Afterwards, explore the Arboretum.

Andrew White

Incredible art experience that will seldom be found elsewhere. The respect for this border crossing art form has been thoroughly performed at this site. I highly recommend you come for the bonsai experience and even the viewing stone exhibit.

Larry Nicholson

This was an amazing place! I wasn't sure what to expect at first. It was so much fun and lots to see and do. There are also beautiful trails for walking, biking, and picnicking.

Joel Keralis

This is a really cool, and completely underappreciated spot in DC. A diverse collection of bonsai, some hundreds of years old. The architecture is well matched with the collection. Best times to visit are spring or fall.

Anthony Stewart

Superb! Some of the trees here have been in training for several centuries, and at least one is older than the nation by at least a century—if not two! Be sure to go before or after winter in order to see the vast selection of bonsais. Short but great stop that is sure to make everyone in your group happy!

Hannah Thornton

Wonderful museum that shows a lot of effort, history, and beautiful nature. I was happily surprised to also learn about the stones, too! I wish the Japanese garden had the states bonsai trees out. This section had 20 or so empty tables with no bonsai but the Chinese garden very much made up for it.

Alan Bishop

Beautiful little open air museum of bonsai trees. Loved seeing all the different styles of trees they had on display. Unfortunately some exhibits were closed, so if you're making a visit out here just for this, perhaps call to check what's open first. Would have liked to see the penjings but they weren't available to see at the time.

missy

such a gorgeous must see place in Washington DC. free entry, bonsais from several regions around the world, dating all the way back to the 1600s. beautiful trees that invoke thought, and encourage thoughtfulness.

Della Gallaugher

First of all, I love Bonsai! Whether you are a bonsai lover or not, you will find this exhibit fascinating! Well worth the trip to visit the gardens when you are in the DC area.

Zeyu Hu

An amazing museum with some beautiful Bonsai and Pengjing. The best part is that this is a free museum! It houses some of the most spectacular Bonsai and Pengjing trees you will find anywhere. A few of the trees were over 500 years old! If only these trees could talk…

B Arora

Went on a weekday- was not crowded at all. There's no charge to enter. A little out of the city- need a car. Right behind the entrance/ visitors centre. Small-ish collection but well maintained and some stunning bonsais. John Nakas bonsais are on display. A lot of hornets in the area though!

Grace Tang

Beautiful museum! The oldest tree was from the 1600’s which is incredible. Wonderful place to visit in the arboretum 🤩✨ …

Dave Feitl

Very cool collection of Bonsai and painstakingly kept. The arboretum has many attractions worth viewing as well.

Musavvir Mahmud

Nice place with lots of bonsai. However, the place looked little lack of maintenance, the background wasn’t up to the mark.

Heather Brushwood

Amazing bonsai collection, just a beautiful and peaceful place. I loved it.

Ed

This is good place to visit, not too crowded and, they have a lot bonsáis trees and the museum is an outdoor type and it’s a good walk. Nice views and decor

Google Contributor

Loved it! So many bonsai trees! For four exhibits to walk through. Each tree has a description and age (if known). Oldest one dating back to 1600s. Very serene and educational. Would definitely recommend checking it out. I'd love to come back again.

Yolanda Upshaw

I love bonsai trees! They are beautiful, nicely kept, and they had so many varieties I did not know

miroslav juicebag

Great displays, beautiful trees and rock displays, inspiration for home garden spaces.

Darrin Miller

Absolutely beautiful bonsai garden. There are a lot of unused spaces for exhibits and the place needs more funding, but I love it for what it is and what they have to share. The Hiroshima tree alone is worth seeing.

Monique English (《Womanique》)

Gorgeous nature views and trails. The Bonsai museum is a must see. There are lots of gardens to stroll through to learn about a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Make it a family outing. It's also free!

Dat Le

Good place to spend half a day in DC if you love plants and nature. While you are there, it's worth it to visit the bonsai museum. All this for free, no fee or ticket. Beautiful place. I can spend a whole day here

Brian Wilson

Well worth the visit for locals and tourists alike. Some of these trees, as well as the Literati rock art, are truly amazing. It’s the kind of stuff the you watch documentaries on and read books about, but if you find yourself in DC just stop here. Parking is ample and the walks are short. You can see all the “exhibits” in under an hour, and then if you have more time go on any of the trails for a longer more natury experience.

Wes Watkins

The greatest collection of bonsai and penjing I have ever seen. The story behind the trees from Japan is incredible. The layout of the museum was perfect. I would recommend this museum to anyone, especially if you are into bonsai.

Josh Weber

Beautiful examples of traditional live art. Free and near entrance. Many examples are quite old. Chinese, Japanese and American trees. There is also rock bonsai and a history of the art. A lovely time to stroll through and not many people.

B&A Iovino

Go !! Words cannot describe the peace & serenity you'll feel while walking through the gardens .... The bonsai trees and their history is mind blowing

Benjamin Allen

First bonsai museum in the world according to one of their plaques. Very cool collection. It's a peaceful place to walk about.

Ashton Lockhart

I came here by chance and immediately made room in my schedule to come back the next day. If you are even remotely interested in plants, bonsai, or anything zen, I highly recommend. Leaving the garden, I felt extremely relaxed and in awe of the trees and their beauty. One of my favorite places on the earth, I can't wait to go back :)

Joseph Adelman

Best part of the Arboretum. It was so cool to see how these plants had been trained over time and sculpted. Parking was a bit tricky and a bit of walk into this part of the park.

Evan Monroe

Amazing place to learn about Asian culture regarding bonsai

Emily Singh

This is an interesting place. I was fascinated by the number of different trees that can be used for Bonsai. Each tree was unique, and some of them are a few hundred years old. I think my favorite tree was the Coastal Redwood. As a result of this visit, I will now start researching how to start my own Bonsai garden.

Matt Wollert

Fantastic sights and free! There are trees on display here that are older than our nation. Worth the visit.

David Syracuse

What a stunning place. Bonsai from all around the world, some hundreds of years in training. Free and easy to find with plenty of parking.

Matthew Frazier

We loved the exhibits indoors and outside. Quite a variety of trees and styles.

Cameron Baker

It is a great place to spend an hour or two. Be cautious about the weather. They have closed the indoor greenhouses due to covid and if its cold they put most of the trees inside.

rodrigo sauno

I usually help on my usual walks to there to clear my mind since years ago years I help to anybody or in spanish I recommend you go ask for clubs ,study groups or how to start We maybe guide you where can you get a move looking near areas to get you first tree

Lisa Caillet

Loved all the fall colors coming to life. Found a passion for bonsai trees and would consider trying to grow one myself. Quiet peaceful atmosphere for a walk and reflection

Michael Stubben

A lovely place to wander around and see geesegreat little trees! They've even got one from the 1600's!

Jeroen

Very pretty bonsai to see BUT I'd recommend not going here on a winter day. There's a lot less to see and much of it is outside.

Myra Woods

Brisk fall day with a glorious walk around the many lovely sites including the older Bonsais, readying for winter.

Joshua Harriman

Great place to see really old and really small trees.

Steve Galloway

If you like Bonsai, the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the national Arboretum is one of the West's outstanding collections and demands an audience. The Arboretum does not require admission fees so cost is not an excuse. The collection forms part of the larger parkland and exhibitions which run seasonally throughout the years and parking, accessibility, and refreshments/conveniences are all quite adequate for a day trip here. Surely on of the unsung heroes on the Washington DC tour circuit.

Tawanda Wilson

Not much in the way of flowers in early March but nonetheless a nice brisk walking ground.

Jennifer Kling

The Azeala Bonai Exhibit was amazing and worth seeing. The whole garden brought a kalming feeling.

Krystal Johnson

Amazing place, worth the trip! Great variety of trees and interesting history!

Deanna “DeDe” Schreiber-Gregory

Great place to visit, even in the winter! Excited to check it out in the summer!

Angela Ferelli Gruber

So much history, so many beautiful displays. Docent James shared great stories about the Bonsais with us, it really enhanced our experience.

Chris Finney

Very nice

Henry Su

Even in the fall it's worth a visit.

Jason Mellen

Fantastic, even though most were hiding inside this time of year.

Nayeli Pena

This museum is well hidden from the city. It is a full day experience, perhaps a few days to truly explore it, because it isn't just the bonsai museum, there is a lot to see around it, and parking is free!!

Channelle Ashley

Very pretty and I learned a lot about the bonsai trees

Warren Frush

Beautiful examples of Bonsai.

Laly Franka

The bonsai museum is a must, It cannot go unnoticed. I never seen ,this beautiful trees bloosom like I did at the museum. The location is inside the Arboritum which is free and perfect for ride on a bike or a picnic.

Sidney Peters

Easy walking trails and sidewalks. We were there on a beautiful day and it wasn't crowded. Bonsai exhibit is stunning!

John Sayre

Just go. It is incredible.

Jonathan Farley

Very relaxing garden to stroll through.

John D

Love the bonsai garden

Sam Chen

I was pleasantly surprised to see some very nice bonsai and penjing there. If you have a few hours, it is a nice place to experience the arts of Chinwse ans Japanese horticulture.

Jozlantice Tucker

It wasn't the biggest and the tropical area was closed for the summer but the bonsai were beautiful and it also had an indor area with ac.

Maelwys Myrddin

It's a great museum. I've been there many times.

Ryan Cooper

You definitely want to check this place out. It’s free to enter, parking is free. Very cool 👍🏼👍🏼😁 It’s unbelievable how old the trees are. I’ve never seen this many bonsai trees in one place. All of them were very cool, but seeing the really old ones were the coolest. Like 394 years old.

Connie Webb

Loved this little museum within the National Arboretum. Amazing works of living art!

Adam

Despite COVID restrictions that prohibited an indoor visit to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the curators made the best of things and have allowed visitors to see what they have been up to during the total shutdown by placing everything outdoors. Well worth the visit, especially for those who manage to make their way once things return to normal.

Michael Ciurea

This place is so interesting!! You’ll find bonsai trees that are over 400 years old here and be calmed by zen of this place.

Will Koehrsen

Incredible showcase of bonsai trees within the National Arboretum. I was impressed by the range of craftsmanship on display, and even though I would not say I'm a fan of Bonsai, I appreciated the museum. The entire National Arboretum is magnificent, and this is one of the must-sees located there.

Matthew Haraminac

This place is captivating. I've always loved bonsai and I've read several books about it. The expereienc of being in front of some of the world's best bonsai in such a tranquil setting can't be replaced and simply viewing pictures in books can't provide the same appreciation for the attention to detail and care that has gone into the bonsai trees. Everyone in our group had a great experience. The caretakers and staff do a fantastic job. You won't regret spending some time here.

Deja

Wonderful display of nature. Some of the trees date back to the 1600s. They are amazing to see. The atmosphere is calming and the air is so fresh. We spent hours herr just enjoying the beautiful art

S Nyegaard

Very simple but elegant.

Marv Baker

Fascinating, many bonsai tree examples

Joshua Brooks

Wonderful place to visit. Definitely bring your camera and extra batteries. We visited the Bonsai Foundation twice in April. A lot of history, but Japanese section was closed off for repairs or upgrade.

Pitoon Ekarintaragun (PIT - EKA)

Great display of some very old bonsai, worth the time to make visit.

Lauren Brick

This is the best place ever and I never knew about it, even though I've lived in the area my entire life. These trees are so old and extremely cute.

Craig Foster

This is the most beautiful part of the National Arboretum. The bonsai are masterful and creative. Very beautiful. Plants in bloom throughout the year. There are several different pavilions and cultural areas, make sure you check them all out.

Lucy Ruderman

FYI you can’t see any of the bonsais (well you can see 1-2 of them) during winter months. They put them inside but because of COVID the inside is closed.

James Wang

Beautiful garden full of well-maintained Bonsai and Penjing trees. Best part of the arboretum!

Nels0n Nguyen

Beautiful spot to see all the different kinds of bonsai. A must see / visit.

Paul Harbulak

Amazing bonsai exhibits. I honestly wasn't expecting such a large collection. I'm sure the National Arboretum is even more impressive in the spring and fall, but it was worth the trip there just to see the bonsai trees.

R L

Artisan bonsai...some are aged well over 200 years old.

Brian Wiese

Quite sad that a place dedicated to such art and aesthetics could have such a ghastly long term construction fence around it, even when the section walls provide their own natural separation. Photos, beauty and experience of the place all suffer due to the asinine chain link fence placement. I would post a photo if I could.

James Lytle

The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is one of the many treasures within the US National Arboretum. However, it is truly sad, and frankly embarrassing, how poorly maintained the buildings are out there. Our Congress, over decades, has failed to fund the National Park Service adequately, so everything at the Arboretum is shabby, and construction projects take far too long. Shame on our political class! Shame, shame, shame.

Johana Carrascal

Bonsai from all around the world 😍😍😍 Free museum Great parking Friendly staff …

kristine lin

The trees are really cool to see. Beware of the bees though - they are everywhere!

Brad Hawks

Super cool free museum at the national arboretum. Amazing bonsai trees that have been in training for hundreds, and in some cases thousands of years. Make sure you stop here when you go to the national arboretum!

Mattias Herrfurth

Beautiful, exquisitely preserved bonsai, gorgeously curated. Many plants are in sculpted gardens, representing a scene or landscape. I wish I could rate this 4.5 stars, because in order to experience this exhibit, you'll have to brave some bees along the way. Yes, they are wonderful creatures pollinating plants and such... But it would be nice if they could do it somewhere else.

Robert Lee

Love the bonsai exhibit at the national arboretum. It's situated closer to the 17th Street entrance, and full of amazing bonsai!

Suranai Poungponsri

Parking was a bit confusing mostly because I followed Google maps. Other I highly recommend everyone to visit this place.

M W

Free museum with lots of historical bonsai exhibits. The arboretum is also worth visiting to see the grounds as it's free as well. Note that many of the bonsai exhibits are not present during cooler months, so best to visit late spring through early fall.

Milla Rojas

Awesome!! Soo many bees!!!!! 😣 …

Irving G

Great place to walk around, explore and disconnect. The bonsai trees are awesome.

chris allen

Once you walk into the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum you can feel the tranquility of the trees. Take your time, and if you feel like it take the cell phone tour to guide you. Spend an afternoon enjoying the Arboretum.

Noah Wilke

Really cool place! It's definitely worth stopping by if you have a spare few hours and are in DC!

Michelle Watson Purpleshell Pearls

My family loved this museum! Historical trees! Art! Such a great place to visit and enjoy nature

Luis B

Everything inside was beautiful, especially the outside! The gallery is pretty expensive with different types of bonsai, it was pretty cool to experience!

Stillwater Bonsai

Wonderful place to visit, the Yamaki Pine alone was worth the trip to see but Goshin and the other bonsai were spectacular as well.

Cecilia Malenab

A very relaxing sight! For bonsai lovers- it's a great visit.

Gloria Anderson

A tranquil space with beautifully cared for Bonsais. Nicely placed benches for sitting to reflect.

star wars

Fantastic place, huge collection of Bonsai with some several hundred years old, including one that survived Hiroshima nuclear bomb.

Blake Herbold

Amazing. Clean. So many Bonsai trees. Definitely a must visit in the area.

Kevin C.

One of my favorites places in DC. Has bonsais older than this country.

Sami Mujahed

Loved the bonsai trees.. nice variety.. go on a good weather day.. it's hot and not shaded.

P0l1shGuy

A most fabulous place. Art and nature in an incredible space. A perfect place to take any visitor to DC

Tim Faass

Very very cool place to visit. Makes one yearn to get into the bonsai game.

H Sadoff

Very cool place to check out. Wintertime you can see all the wires that shape the bonsai.

Will Slater

Truly remarkable bonsai collection and some are 400 and 500 years old must see place for any bonsai enthusiast

D W

Loved it. Expensive. Service great. Atmosphere great. Products, great. Wonderful time.

Christian Karasiewicz

Such a tranquil place. Never knew there were so many types of bonsai trees.

Om K

20 to 500 year old bonsai trees are work of art.

Armin Seferagic

Great museum with really cool trees and some Chinese and Japanese fixtures.

Jonathan LaFleur

It is great to see all these trees that are hundreds of years old

ET Wang

Free!!! It’s amazingly beautiful!

Sheila Lo Monaco

I love this place it’s so beautiful and peaceful. Free for all .

Bruce Elliott

Fantastic collection of beautiful bonsai. I will definitely return, probably many times.

Helen Knowles

This is the first time I have visited and I loved seeing the bonsai arrangements.

Alicia Lindsey

I loved living 2 miles from the Arboretum..soo beautiful

Dennis Topper

Great display of several collections- Japanese, Chinese, and American species in a single location.

XAVIER LESANSKY

This place is absolutely amazing. Bonsai line I have never seen!!!! Amazing!!!!

Angela Drake (Not Your Average American)

What a surprise to find bonsais over 100 years old! This is a must visit for bonsais lovers of all ages.

Alex Barnes

Beautiful place to connect with nature. Getting there is less pleasant.

Jonathan Kerr

Bonsais of all sizes and one insert 400 years old.

Krista Hanson

This was fun, even in winter when most bonsais were resting.

Pablo Pepper

Amazing Bonsai Collection

ashley womack

so pretty for freeeee!?!?!? 🥰🥰 …

Wayne Bond

Fantastic exhibitions - lots of places to hike or walk

Kristin Evenson Hirst

Beautiful exhibits. Good explanations of Chinese & Japanese styles.

Michael Jackson

Phenomenal place I think everyone should visit.

David Parker

Such a stunning space!!

Fred Miller

The Bosnias were great. Overall a disappointment.

Vincent Montague

Great place to visit

Harshad Vedartham

Don't kiss the 400 year old tree which survived Hiroshima!

Tim O'Neil

Such a fun place

Laurel Barrett

Wish I could have seen it during the spring

Marvin Tucker

I been here for a couple times

Matt Longacre

A great area to look at Bonsai and gain some inspiration.

William Huster

Greatest place in DC that few people know about

Piotr Wozniak

Very good presentation

Ny Chheng

Nice place ! I like to go again...!

Vanessa Medlin

I really like the Bonsais that was on display.

renee regan

Gorgeous setting for a wedding!

Derek Williams

Great place to go for a walk

Vt Hawk

Excellent bonzai

Amit Pandey

blew my mind ..simply superb

David Pascarella

Stunning and beautiful

yamileth velasquez

Beautiful place to walk

Tom Peterson

Awesome world class Bonsai.

Gianna-Jade del Vecchio

Very cool

Surenddra Patil

Fabulous

James Cooper

Very nice.

Elizabeth Sackman

Worth a stop at the arboretum just for this

andy garzaro

Beautiful trees and nature

Niranjan Mettu

Best for bonsai lovers

Dionte Kemp

Great local getaway

Shravankumar Hiregoudar

Loved it.

Heather Etner

So many bonsai trees!

Greg Leonard

Very peaceful

Max Thomason

Very cool!

Lisa F

Absolutely fantastic!!!

Elizabeth Wingate

Beautiful, Beautiful place

Casey Glass

So beautiful

The Practical Realist

Very relaxing

Donna Carter

Beautiful

Prakash Hebbar

Fantastic creativity

yisu

Good place

Snootyallie

Beautiful.

Karen Guzman

Amazing place!!!!

Rachel Brandoff

Worth it!!

Michael Bello

A fascinating exhibit of both Chinese and Japanese specimens on the grounds of the beautiful National Arboretum. Especially beautiful in the spring.

陈朵

A gem hidden in DC

Juan Villamar

We came to the National Arboretum the weekend of the Cherry Blossom festival after reading a few recommendations to avoid the DC mall area. Great to show up early to avoid crowds. The Bonsai Museum section has restrooms and vending machines by the koi ponds. We caught a few cherry blossom trees in bloom. Great morning trip.

Anastasiia Kiseleva

Must visit place!

Jacob Blandford

An incredible collection of bonsai trees. You could go to the Arboretum and spend all day just in the Bonsai Garden. There is a diverse collections of species and this exhibit does an amazing job of demonstrating that bonsai is a technique, not a type of tree. It’s fun to see the age of the trees and mind boggle that one is from the 1700’s.

Jorge Luis Colombo

There are specimens up to almost 400 years old, true living works of art

김임섭

This is a bonsai exhibition hall inside the Korea National Arboretum. It's early spring, so the exhibits aren't fully on display, but if you don't have any bad feelings about Japan or China, you won't regret visiting. The camellia bonsai was worth seeing.

Michael X

I like the bonsai here

Rohit Surana

Fantastic bonsai five years old

A A

Unmissable! It's not just bonsai, there's history there. It's a valid getaway for those who have time, being in DC

Fernando Julio

Miniature trees, the best....

Wyatt Moore

A beautiful place and very well kept! It is worth the visit!

Gary Seybold

I think there are over 300 varieties of different bonsai. It's incredible!

Briston Córdova Esteban

Brilliant

Ricardo Moreno

Surreal. It seems unbelievable, but they are one of the greatest wonders of nature

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