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Hours & Admission | Spring Traffic Plan | Directions | Etiquette
The Foundation provides financial, programmatic and curatorial support for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, located on the grounds of the the U.S. National Arboretum. For more information on visiting the Museum on the grounds of the Arboretum, please call 202-245-4523 or visit the Arboretum’s website.
REGULAR HOURS & ADMISSION:
We are excited to announce that all indoor and outdoor spaces at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum are opened and collections are out for viewing.
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open every day from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Note: The museum’s hours are shorter than those of the Arboretum which are every day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
There is no charge for admission to the Arboretum or the Museum and parking on the grounds is free. No tickets are needed for entry.
The Museum is closed for federal holidays during the months of November through February and for Memorial Day Monday. For unplanned closings, please refer to our homepage under “Current Museum Status.”
*Please note that during the winter months selections from all the pavilions are on display in the Chinese pavilion. The Japanese and North American Pavilions are closed in the winter.
spring traffic plan (EFFECTIVE MARCH 27, 2024):
Beginning Wednesday, March 27th until mid-May, the National Arboretum will implement a temporary traffic plan that impacts traffic flow and parking throughout the grounds. This plan is meant to keep the grounds safe for drivers, pedestrians, and all visitors during an extremely busy time of the year. We urge visitors to plan their weekend visit as early in the day as possible, or visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
This temporary traffic plan establishes:
· One-Way Traffic Flow: Vehicles will only be allowed to travel one way down Hickey Lane and Eagle Nest Road, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the intersection of Eagle Nest and Azalea Roads. Azalea Road will also become a one way lane. All other traffic patterns will remain unchanged.
· Pedestrian Walkway: A pedestrian pathway will run adjacent to vehicle traffic on Hickey Lane, beginning at the intersection of Hickey Lane and Valley Road and continuing to the R Street Entrance.
· On-Street Parking: Vehicles will be allowed to park on one side of the road ONLY in designated areas along Eagle Nest Road, Azalea Road, and Valley Road. Signs will designate where parking is allowed.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are not subject to traffic restrictions, but please take special care when traveling around the one-way loop.
The map above illustrates the impact of this traffic plan on the grounds. Both the R Street and New York Avenue entrances will operate as normal. Please drive carefully through the R Street neighborhood and be respectful of our neighbors when accessing the R Street entrance.
Thank you for driving safely through the National Arboretum this spring.
DIRECTIONS:
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is located on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum at 3501 New York Avenue N.E. – Washington D.C. 20002.
View Google maps of our location. The Arboretum is located in the northeast section of Washington, DC, approximately ten minutes from the Capitol Building.
To find the Museum on the Arboretum grounds, enter through the Welcome Center located near the parking lot. Walk through the courtyard to the far stairs. The Museum’s entrance is on your left once you go down the stairs.
By Car:
There are two entrances to the Arboretum. One is at 3501 New York Avenue, NE, and the other at 24th & R Streets, NE, off of Bladensburg Road. If you use the New York Avenue gate, be sure not to miss the turning lane marked with a sign for the U.S. National Arboretum upon approach to the grounds.
There is a free and conveniently located parking lot outside the Arbor House and Welcome Center (both steps away from the Museum) complete with ample handicap spots.
From Northwest Washington – Follow New York Avenue east to the intersection of Bladensburg Road. Turn right (south) onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
From the Maryland suburbs – Take the Capital Beltway (I 495/I 95) to exit 22B (Baltimore Washington Parkway) towards Washington. Follow the Baltimore Washington Parkway approximately 7 miles to Route 50 West (New York Avenue). Once on Route 50 get in your left lane. You will approach the intersection of Bladensburg Road where only the two left lanes turn onto Bladensburg Road. Make the left onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
From Virginia (I 395) – Follow I 395 North over the 14th Street Bridge. Bear right at the end of the bridge to follow signs to 395 North. Continue to follow signs to 395 North (the lanes for 395 are to the right–pay attention). The 395 lanes go under a tunnel at 3rd Street. Continue following signs for 395 North. The tunnel will dead end at New York Avenue, where all lanes are forced to turn right. Continue on New York Avenue until the major intersection with Bladensburg Road (there will be large green traffic signs overhead; also, it’s about 2.5 miles from the end of the freeway to the right turn on Bladensburg). Turn right onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
From Virginia (I 95 – I 295) – Follow I 95 North and cross the Wilson Bridge. Stay in the right lane over the bridge. Bear onto I 95/I 295 North to Washington. Follow I 295 to the exit for Route 50 West (New York Avenue). Once on Route 50 get in your left lane. You will approach the intersection of Bladensburg Road where only the two left lanes turn onto Bladensburg Road. Make the left onto Bladensburg Road and go 4 blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.
From Virginia (I 66) – Cross the Roosevelt Bridge and follow Constitution Avenue past the Capitol Building. Bear left onto Maryland Avenue. Follow Maryland Avenue to Bladensburg Road. Make a left onto Bladensburg Road and travel 1 mile to R Street. Make a right onto R Street and continue 2 block to the Arboretum gates.
By Bike:
If you’re bringing your own bike, there are several bike racks located outside the Welcome Center. If you’re using Capital Bikeshare, there is a conveniently located dock right outside the 24th & R Streets, NE gate.
By Metrorail:
The closest Metrorail subway stop is Stadium Armory Station on the Blue and Orange lines. Transfer to the B2 Metrobus; disembark the bus on Bladensburg Road at Rand Street, just past the Arboretum sign on the right. Walk back to sign at R Street and walk down R Street 2 blocks to Arboretum entrance.
By Foot:
The Arboretum is approachable by foot but only via the 24th and R Streets, NE gate as New York Avenue, NE is a vehicle-only roadway.
A NOTE ON MUSEUM ETIQUETTE:
Food, drinks, smoking, pets (except service animals), and bicycles are not allowed in the museum complex. Please supervise children at all times.