Behind the Scenes

U.S. Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth’s fragile ecosystems.

More than 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for the capital city of the United States that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the young nation. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. Since 1934, it has been administered through the Architect of the Capitol.

The USBG’s public areas include the Conservatory and approximately eight acres of surrounding gardens encompassing the National Garden and the two acre Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi Park. The USBG is also responsible for the administration building and a plant production and support facility with 36 greenhouse bays, several outdoor nursery areas, storage areas, and maintenance shops.

The U.S. Botanic Garden has been recognized as a museum and is accredited by the American Association of Museums. This accreditation is a widely recognized seal of accomplishment that recognizes a museum’s commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement.

See more at: www.usbg.gov.