The glass Conservatory of the U.S. Botanic Garden catches the late light above its planted entrance path. — PHOTO“The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) (53831939493).jpg” by ajay_suresh · CC BY 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP for this site.

NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON, DC · UNITED STATES

United States Botanic Garden

A free indoor conservatory and outdoor gardens near the Capitol, with separate opening hours.

What to expect

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum established by Congress in 1820. The glass Conservatory groups plants from tropical, subtropical and arid regions, while the National Garden and Bartholdi Fountain Gardens offer separate outdoor visits across Maryland Avenue and Independence Avenue. Its position near the Capitol makes it a different outing from the western Mall memorials.

Free garden admission

Before you go

Entry and costs

Admission is free and no ticket is required. The Conservatory, gated National Garden and Bartholdi Fountain Gardens have different hours; café purchases and nearby transport are optional costs.

Visitor notes

The Conservatory is open daily 10:00–17:00 except 25 December. The gated National Garden opens 07:30–17:00 from 16 September through 31 March, with extended hours to 19:00 from 1 April through 15 September. Bartholdi Fountain Gardens are open dawn to dusk. Use the official page for same-day updates and accessibility details.

Opening hours

Date you plan to visit

Select a date to see the published regular schedule.

Published hours checked 1 November 2026. For holidays, temporary closures or event changes, check the official source below.

Good for

Greenhouse visitPlant collectionsFree Capitol-side stop

Official sourceU.S. Botanic Garden — current visitor hours and admission

U.S. Botanic Garden — accessibility and visitor information

Checked 1 November 2026. Hours, entry rules and access can change; check this page again before you visit.

Recent check

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