Botanic Garden
National Mall, across from the U.S. Capitol
Intersection of Maryland Avenue and 1st Street S.W.
Southwest Washington, D.C.
Metro Stop: Federal Center

Established by Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America.  The Botanic Garden includes the Conservatory, Bartholdi Park, and the National Garden. 

The Conservatory features a wide variety of living exhibits, including seasonal exhibits.  Special exhibits showcase orchids, medicinal, economic, endangered and primitive plants.  From mid-May to mid-October, the Conservatory terraces feature displays of thematic container gardens. 

Bartholdi Park, named for the sculptor of its historic fountain, is a garden demonstration landscape located adjacent to the Conservatory, across Independence Avenue.  The gardens illustrate design principles and display plant combinations for a variety of themes and styles.  Changing seasonal display beds feature outstanding annuals and perennials. Bartholdi Fountain stands in the center of the Park.  Visitors are welcome in the park every day of the year.

The National Garden, located immediately west of the Conservatory, provides "living laboratories" for environmental, horticultural, and botanical education in a contemplative setting.  The major features of the National Garden are the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Lawn Terrace, the First Ladies' Water Garden, the Regional Garden, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Times of Operation

Admission to all public areas of the U.S. Botanic Garden is free.  The Conservatory, Bartholdi Park, and the National Garden are open every day, including weekends and holidays.  The Conservatory hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The Conservatory main entrance is located at 100 Maryland Avenue, S.W.  Bartholdi Park is open from dawn to dusk.  The National Garden, located immediately west of the Conservatory is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., June 1 to September 30.  After September 30, the National Garden is closed at 5:00 p.m.

U.S. Botanic Garden Links

• Botanic Garden Website
• Visitor Information, including Accessibility
• Current Exhibits
• What’s in Bloom
• Virtual Tour of the Conservatory

Places of Interest Nearby

• National Mall
• U.S. Capitol
• Library of Congress
• U.S. Supreme Court

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