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.

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.

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.

If you like Bonsai, the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the national Arboretum is one of the Wests 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

The outside garden was great but it was closed for the inside when we went and there was no notice.

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

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

Very pretty and I learned a lot about the bonsai trees

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

Just go. It is incredible.

Amazing bonsai exhibits. I honestly wasnt expecting such a large collection. Im 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.

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

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, youll 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.

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.

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

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.

Very relaxing garden to stroll through.

Great place to see really old and really small trees.

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

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

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 Im a fan of Bonsai, I appreciated the museum. The entire National Arboretum is magnificent, and this is one of the must-sees located there.

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

Bonsai from all around the world Free museumGreat parkingFriendly staff

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

Incorrect info, actually closed-- traveled a long way for nothing.

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

This place is captivating. Ive always loved bonsai and Ive read several books about it. The expereienc of being in front of some of the worlds best bonsai in such a tranquil setting cant be replaced and simply viewing pictures in books cant 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 wont regret spending some time here.

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

Wish I could have seen it during the spring

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

Free museum with lots of historical bonsai exhibits. The arboretum is also worth visiting to see the grounds as its 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Greatest place in DC that few people know about

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

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

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

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

Awesome!! Soo many bees!!!!!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Really cool collection

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

Love the bonsai garden

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

The Bosnias were great. Overall a disappointment.

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

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

Fantastic exhibitions - lots of places to hike or walk

Best for bonsai lovers

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

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.

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.

Gorgeous setting for a wedding!

Beautiful exhibits. Good explanations of Chinese & Japanese styles.

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

Phenomenal place I think everyone should visit.

Great place to go for a walk

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

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.

I really like the Bonsais that was on display.

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

Very good presentation

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

Amazing Bonsai Collection

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.

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

Beautiful trees and nature

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

Awesome world class Bonsai.

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

Very cool

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

So beautiful

Open year round! This is such an incredible collection of bonsai, mostly diplomatic donations by the Japanese.

I been here for a couple times

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

Beautiful, Beautiful place

Fantastic creativity

Dont kiss the 400 year old tree which survived Hiroshima!

Absolutely fantastic!!!

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

Blew my mind ..simply superb

Very peaceful

Very relaxing

Great local getaway

Beautiful

Worth a stop at the arboretum just for this