My first stop at this museum within the National Arboretum did not disappoint!
Unexpected delights
Travelling to see the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum was an unexpected delight. Located adjacent to the administrative offices at the National Arboretum on the Northeast side of Washington, DC. I’d not spent much time on that side of the capital, but I had the opportunity to visit in early July. I was not disappointed.
Temperate pleasures
Following a stretch of 100-degree plus temperatures, I entered the arboretum on a temperate 70-degree day. After the heat, it felt like early Autumn more than the first day of July. There were very few people there early in the morning, so I had the place mostly to myself, and was able to enjoy many bonsai.
53 Trees
The museum originally contained 53 trees-one for each of the United States, and three additional fine specimens given to the United States. The gifts were a gesture of friendship by Japan to honor this country’s bicentennial in 1976.
Sacred mountains & Scholar’s stones
There was also Penjing in the indoor portion of the museum. Penjing are scholars stones that symbolize the sacredness of mountains. The exhibit referred to it as ” Cultivating stones”. It’s hard to describe, so I included a photo of one of the more accessible displays: rocks that look like animals. I definitely recommend visiting if you need to slow down and desire a sense of peace and awe.
A bit of Asia
I also suggest this place if you’d like a feeling of being in Asia, but you are in DC. There are trees in there that are older than this country, and they’re very small. It’s quite an art. And, for those who know very little about bonsai, you can learn a lot more about it in this unique museum.
A Tiny & Living museum
Though tiny, it is a living museum. Though there are arboretums throughout all 50 states, these miniature trees (some of them a quarter-millennia in age) make up the smallest arboretum you may ever see. The bonsai are deciduous and coniferous trees thst hsve been lovingly, artfully and meticulously trained and cared for.
Redbuds, Redwoods, all different trees that also grow to much higher stature in other parts of the National arboretum are found here. It is an experience that you cannot get in most parts of this country.
Visiting the museum
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 www.bonsai-nbf.org
202.396.3510
Open most days 10-4, call for more information or accomodations