Engage. Inform. Inspire.

As a vital and vibrant part of the Smithsonian experience, we engage people with plants and gardens, inform on the roles both play in our cultural and natural worlds, and inspire appreciation and stewardship.

Smithsonian Gardens (SG) is celebrating its 50th anniversary from July 31, 2022 through July 31, 2023! It has been truly amazing to witness the growth and positive impact that SG has experienced as it has matured into a world-class public garden and living museum that serves millions of visitors in Washington, D.C. each year.

About Us Our Gardens Virtual Tours Support Us

Let’s Talk Gardens

“Grow” your gardening know-how! Our free online gardening program, Let’s Talk Gardens, covers a wide range of topics presented by our own professional staff, as well as guest speakers. No matter your level of gardening knowledge, there’s always something new to learn!

Join us on Thursdays at 12:00 PM EST for this popular webinar series.

Community of Gardens

A digital archive hosted by Smithsonian Gardens in partnership with our Archives of American Gardens, is a project designed to preserve our diverse garden heritage.

Yellow tulips in bloom on the parterre in the Enid A. Haupt Garden

Plan Your Visit

Smithsonian Gardens extends the Smithsonian’s museum experience in a public garden setting with over 180 acres of outdoor gardens including 13 public exhibition gardens often called the Smithsonian institution’s “museum without walls.”

We are open to the public every day except December 25.

Victory Garden at the National Museum of American History

Virtual Tours

Welcome to the verdant beds of Smithsonian Gardens, splashed with color and buzzing with activity. Morning walks along shady garden paths are calling. We would like to offer you virtual tours through our gardens and greenhouses.

Pink saucer magnolias blooming with sun rising behind

Explore Our StoryMaps

StoryMaps are maps which tell stories! Through images, videos, and maps, we use StoryMaps to tell immersive stories of Smithsonian Gardens. So far, we have created beautiful tours through our flowering trees, guides, and are excited to keep creating more!

Latest From Our Staff

Bromeliads: Wonders of the Tropics and Our Indoor Spaces

19/09/2022 at 6:11 pm

Bromeliads are one of the wonders of the tropics. They are found in many different habitats and have a unique ability to create valuable microenvironments for tropical fauna. A coveted houseplant, bromeliads are also a prized ornamental for indoor and outdoor spaces thanks to their ease of care and varied colorful shapes and sizes. The […]