The U.S. Botanic Garden, or USBG, established by Congress in 1820, is a living plant museum on the National Mall. The Conservatory reopened in December 2001 after a four-year renovation, showcasing an impressive state-of-the-art indoor garden with approximately 4,000 seasonal, tropical, and subtropical plants. The U.S. Botanic Garden is administered by the Architect of the Capitol and offers special exhibits and educational programs throughout the year.
Additionally, Bartholdi Park, part of the USBG, is located across the street from the conservatory. This beautifully landscaped flower garden features a classical-style fountain designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the same French sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty.
History of the Botanic Garden
In 1816, the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences in Washington, D.C., proposed the creation of a botanic garden. The aim was to cultivate and display both foreign and domestic plants, allowing the American public to appreciate nature’s diversity. Prominent figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were pivotal in advocating for a permanent botanical garden in Washington, D.C.
Congress established the garden near the Capitol grounds, on a plot of land stretching from First Street to Third Street between Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenues. However, the garden remained in this location until the Columbian Institute dissolved in 1837.
Five years later, a team from the U.S. Exploring Expedition to the South Seas brought living plants from around the world to Washington, reigniting interest in the concept of a national botanic garden.
Initially housed in a greenhouse behind the Old Patent Office Building, these plants were later relocated to the previous site of the Columbian Institute’s garden. The USBG has been operational since 1850, moving to its current location along Independence Avenue in 1933. It came under the purview of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress in 1856 and has been overseen by the Architect of the Capitol since 1934.
Moreover, the National Garden opened in October 2006 as an extension of the USBG, serving as an outdoor annex and learning laboratory. The National Garden features a First Ladies’ water garden, an extensive rose garden, a butterfly garden, and a wide array of regional trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Location of the Botanic Garden
The USBG is situated across from the U.S. Capitol Building along First St. SW, positioned between Maryland Ave. and C St. Bartholdi Park, located behind the Conservatory, is accessible from Independence Ave., Washington Ave., or First St. Notably, the closest Metro station to the site is Federal Center SW.
Admission to the Botanic Garden is free, and it welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bartholdi Park is open from dawn until dusk.
