Each year NBF strives to engage the community with the world of bonsai through our programming, partnerships and feature articles. Take a look back at the highlights of 2019, which were made possible through your generous support.
Event Highlights
World Bonsai Day
Award in a Local Publication
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum was voted the "Best Place to Bring an Out-of-Towner" in Washington City Paper's Best of D.C. competition – our second, consecutive time winning this award! Read more.
National Symphony Orchestra Concert
A string quartet from NSO played a wonderful concert among our collection for the first time to kick off the summer. Read more.
Official Sister Museum Partnership
Our Museum officially became a Sister Museum to the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama, Japan. Read more.
Local News Feature
John Kelly of The Washington Post attended one of Master Nick Gracenin's Tai Chi classes at the Museum this fall and wrote all about it in his column! Read more.
Nick Lenz Exhibit
Eccentric bonsai artist Nick Lenz's once-in-a-lifetime display featured ceramics and bonsai in a spooky, thought-provoking temporary collection. Read more.
National Geographic Print Feature
Photographer Rebecca Hale visited our Museum to snap shots of curator Michael James' bonsai tools for National Geographic's Tool Kit Series! The series will be in print soon.
Program Spotlights
Tai Chi Amongst the Bonsai
Master Nick Gracenin of D.C. Tai Chi "grace-fully" led tai chi classes throughout the year.
Forest Bathing Amongst the Bonsai
Nature therapy guide Melanie Choukas-Bradley helped participants discover the power of nature on trips through our trees.
Yoga Amongst the Bonsai
Class participants followed certified yoga instructor Alexa Tovsen's calm, relaxing voice at various yoga sessions.
Drawing From Bonsai
A great group of budding artists learned all about capturing the different shades and shapes of bonsai under nature artist Tina Thieme Brown.
Mindfulness Amongst the Bonsai
Mindfulness-seekers found their center at Linda Naini's meditation sessions among our collections.
Children's Workshop
Kids learned about different tree types, animal habitats and bonsai history under the instruction of Museum curator Michael James.