After more than 40 years of service, the National Bonsai Foundation will conclude operations at the end of 2025. This decision, reached after careful deliberation by the Board of Directors, reflects a deep commitment to the evolving future of bonsai. With growing interest in the art form and new leaders stepping forward, this transition allows the work to continue through fresh perspectives and shared stewardship.

This moment marks the realization of a long-term shift at the U.S. National Arboretum, which for several years has been moving toward a new operational model that consolidates nonprofit engagement under one primary partnership. With Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) now serving as the Arboretum’s single nonprofit partner, NBF’s transition ensures a smooth, unified path forward for continued support of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

NBF will formally conclude operations at the end of December 2025.

As part of our closure, we are taking great care to use our remaining resources to support the art of bonsai in meaningful ways. To ensure that the funds entrusted to us are used responsibly and effectively, we will transfer the majority of remaining assets to Friends of the National Arboretum to directly support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and ongoing bonsai education. These funds will be specifically dedicated to the continued care, growth, and improvement of the Museum, including future capital projects, program development, and public engagement. This support will help preserve the Museum’s world-class bonsai collections, enhance the visitor experience, and ensure that the art of bonsai continues to thrive in the nation’s capital.

We will also distribute a small percentage of the remaining funds to several organizations that share our commitment to advancing the art of bonsai: the American Bonsai Society, the Potomac Bonsai Association, the Pacific Bonsai Expo, and the North American Bonsai Federation. These are organizations with whom NBF and the Museum have had longstanding relationships, and whose ongoing work reflects the values and spirit we have sought to nurture. They will continue to cultivate appreciation for this living tradition at the grassroots level, as well as generating ongoing support for the Museum.

Yes. The Museum will remain open and active under the care of the U.S. National Arboretum. Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) will serve as the Arboretum’s single nonprofit partner and will carry forward all opportunities to engage with and contribute to the Museum.

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA), a longstanding collaborator and now the Arboretum’s primary nonprofit partner, will help support the ongoing growth, care, and public programming of the Museum in the years to come.

Since its founding, the National Bonsai Foundation has been a champion for bonsai in the United States and around the world. Over the decades, we have contributed millions of dollars in support of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. These investments have included major capital improvements such as the John Y. Naka Pavilion, the Tropical Conservatory, the Chinese Pavilion, and the reconstruction of the Japanese Pavilion.

NBF also has supported everything from tree acquisitions, to exhibitions and educational programs, to professional development for the Museum’s expert curators. We’ve partnered with the U.S. National Arboretum to provide care for America’s national bonsai collections at the Museum; created the National Bonsai Apprenticeship program; supported events, training and learning opportunities, special exhibitions, and workshops; fostered international partnerships, facilitated cultural exchange, and shared expertise across borders; and brought many thousands of people closer to the beauty, discipline, and philosophy of bonsai.

Funded by NBF, the National Bonsai Apprenticeship was created to cultivate the next generation of bonsai professionals through hands-on training and mentorship with the Museum’s expert curators. This renowned program offers immersive education with expert curators and caretakers, hands-on experience with America’s national bonsai and penjing collections, and daily opportunities to hone horticultural and artistic talents. NBF created and funded this program in 2011 during the Museum's 35th anniversary to honor the legacy of Robert Drechsler, the Museum's first curator.

NBF consistently invested in the continued development of the Museum’s expert curators, providing funding for advanced training, professional engagement, and opportunities to connect with international bonsai communities and practices.

NBF was recognized multiple times over numerous years in the Washington City Paper’s “Best of DC” awards and also earned a GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, reflecting a long-standing commitment to accountability and public trust.

Many NBF-supported books and resources will remain accessible through the Museum, the Arboretum, or trusted partners. Publications such as Timeless Trees, Awakening the Soul, Cultivated Stones, and John Naka’s Sketchbook will continue to be available through booksellers like Stone Lantern.

Supporters are encouraged to make donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum through Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA). Additional opportunities to stay involved also exist through local and national bonsai organizations working to advance the tradition.

As NBF concludes its operations, we are ensuring that our remaining resources are transferred to trusted partners who share our values and dedication to this living art. Remaining funds will be used in full and thoughtful alignment with NBF’s mission. The majority will transfer to FONA and will directly support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, while a small portion will benefit bonsai organizations that reflect the spirit and values of NBF’s work.

Yes, Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) will continue communicating with NBF supporters about programs and opportunities to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

If you prefer not to receive future communications about the Museum or its programs, please visit bonsai-nbf.org/optout.

Questions about this transition can be directed to Jeanne Braha, FONA’s Executive Director, at jbraha@fona.org.

Questions about future support and stewardship can be directed to Claire Alrich at FONA at calrich@fona.org.

The NBF Board of Directors extends its deepest appreciation to all supporters.