United States Botanic Garden

United States Botanic Garden
Name	United States Botanic Garden
Location	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Coordinates	38°53′17″N 77°00′47″W
Type	Botanical garden
Director	Saharah Moon Chapotin
Owner	United States Congress
Website	www.usbg.gov

United States Botanic Garden. Established by the United States Congress in 1820, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in North America. Located at the foot of the United States Capitol on the National Mall, the institution serves as a living museum dedicated to demonstrating the aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological importance of plants. Its mission encompasses plant conservation, biodiversity research, and public education, welcoming millions of visitors annually to its historic Conservatory and expansive outdoor gardens.

History

The garden's origins trace to the 1816 establishment of the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, which proposed a national botanic garden. In 1820, President James Monroe signed legislation granting the institute five acres for this purpose near the Capitol Reflecting Pool. Early collections were assembled by explorers and naval officers, including the United States Exploring Expedition led by Charles Wilkes. The garden was relocated and formally placed under the Joint Committee on the Library in 1850, with its iconic Lord & Burnham-designed conservatory opening in 1933. Significant renovations were undertaken in the 1990s, reopening to the public in 2001.

Collections and exhibits

The garden's living collections exceed 65,000 accessions, organized into distinct environments within the Conservatory. Major exhibits include the Jungle room with its towering canopy walk, the Orchid collection featuring thousands of species, and the World Deserts house showcasing succulents and cacti. The National Garden outside highlights regional Mid-Atlantic flora, including the Rose Garden and Pollinator Garden. Seasonal displays, such as the holiday-season Season's Greenings with model trains, and the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens, provide year-round interest.

Architecture and grounds

The centerpiece is the landmark Conservatory, a steel and glass structure designed by architect Bennett, Parsons & Frost in the Art Deco style. The adjacent Bartholdi Park is named for its ornate Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi-designed fountain. The campus includes the National Garden, which opened in 2006, and the recently renovated Terrace overlooking Maryland Avenue. The entire complex is integrated into the monumental core of the National Mall, with views of the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol.

Conservation and research

The garden is an active partner in global plant conservation initiatives, including the Center for Plant Conservation and the North American Orchid Conservation Center. Its research focuses on seed banking, plant systematics, and the study of threatened species like those in the Hawaiian Islands. Scientists collaborate with institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution and the United States Department of Agriculture. The garden's herbarium contains over 200,000 specimens, supporting taxonomic research and documenting plant diversity.

Public programs and education

Educational outreach includes workshops, lectures, and guided tours for all ages, often in partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools. Signature programs include the annual Botany in Action fellowship and family-focused weekend activities. The garden provides extensive online resources and virtual tours, extending its reach nationally. Special exhibitions and artist installations, frequently addressing themes like climate change and sustainable agriculture, engage the public on contemporary environmental issues.

Governance and operations

The garden is operated by the Architect of the Capitol under the direction of the Congressional Joint Committee on the Library. Its annual budget is appropriated by the United States Congress. Day-to-day management is led by an Executive Director, currently Saharah Moon Chapotin, who oversees a staff of horticulturists, botanists, and educators. The institution works closely with advisory groups and the nonprofit Friends of the United States Botanic Garden to support its programs and capital projects.

Category:Botanical gardens in Washington, D.C. Category:1820 establishments in the United States Category:National Mall