Help us build a new future for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
The National Bonsai Foundation and U.S. National Arboretum are dedicated to preserving the immense legacy and history present in the collections at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. As part of that mission, we have been on a journey to re-envision the Museum’s gardens, courtyards, and buildings—and build a new home for its priceless collections.
With a generous donation from an NBF Board member and working with Reed Hilderbrand and Trahan Architects, we have developed a comprehensive Museum Master Plan. The new designs feature a central courtyard, expanded classroom space, a new scholars rocks display, and more.
Help us bring this vision to life.
An exterior/interior look at the proposed design for the North American Pavilion
In September 2020, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts unanimously approved the proposed concept design, bringing us closer to undertaking these highly anticipated renovations. Now NBF is working with the architects and Arboretum staff to develop schematic designs, engage with engineers and other consultants, and refine the project’s cost estimates. We hope to begin construction in 2021.
This is the world’s first and finest bonsai museum — and so it will remain, for generations to come.
“The stunning designs that Reed Hilderbrand and Trahan Architects have presented are a stimulating first step in the development of a master plan for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. NBF is proud and pleased to be assisting in the revitalization of the world’s first public bonsai museum and looks forward to working with the U.S. National Arboretum on the next steps of this project.”
- NBF Board Chair James Hughes
Pictured: the proposed display for the scholar rock display