Celebrating the art of bonsai and penjing in our Nation’s Capital.
Named one of the “Best Arts & Culture Nonprofits in DC,” the National Bonsai Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. National Arboretum, is honored to provide financial, programmatic and curatorial support for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, a free and public museum located on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC. Together we promote the art of bonsai, penjing and related art forms to visitors through masterpiece displays and educational programs while fostering intercultural friendship and understanding. We invite you to visit the Museum and browse through our website to learn more about the Foundation, the Museum collections, special exhibits and events, and how you can help support our mission.
Consecutively since 2018, the Museum has been named one of “Best of DC” in various categories in The Washington City Paper’s Readers Poll, including:
“BEST CITY ESCAPE IN THE CITY”
"BEST PLACE TO MEDITATE"
"BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER"
”BEST TOUR FOR OUT-OF-TOWNERS”
"BEST MUSEUM OFF THE NATIONAL MALL"
‘BEST FIRST DATE ACTIVITY’
Available Now for Purchase!
“A must have…”
- Thomas S. Elias
Chairman of the Viewing Stone Association
This stunning, immersive photo book released by the National Bonsai Foundation is now available for purchase (Artbook, $50). The critically-acclaimed, 152 page book commemorates the recent gift of more than 100 Chinese scholars' rocks to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum from long-time patron and noted expert Kemin Hu. It’s the perfect gift for the art and nature lover in your life!
Featured in the The Washingtonian (February, 2023)!
Special Exhibits & Events
Museum Status
The Museum is operating on normal business hours.
Explore What’s New
Permanent Collections
We invite you to explore the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s large collection of trees and their related art forms in their permanent collections including its Japanese, Chinese, North American trees and Viewing Stones.
The Bonsai Bookstore
National Bonsai Foundation has published books for all ages of bonsai lovers.
Foundation’s Annual Report
Each year the National Bonsai Foundation prepares an Annual Report. Review our most current one below.
Never Miss a Thing
Sister Museums
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Washington DC, USA | Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama City, JAPAN
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Video above compliments of Bonsai Empire.
* 1st/3rd Place