United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is a federal garden on Capitol Hill in Washington that displays more than 26,000 plant species from all climate zones in greenhouses and outdoor grounds. The main structure is a large glass conservatory with ten themed chambers recreating deserts, rainforests, and temperate zones.

The foundation goes back to a plan from 1820 supported by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The conservatory moved to its current site near the Capitol in 1933 and opened to the public there.

The name reflects the federal mission to collect and study native and exotic plants for public education and research. Today visitors watch school groups move through the glass rooms and families explore the tropical spaces on weekends.

The garden is located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW and is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with free admission. All pathways inside the conservatory and outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible.

Four plants in the collection trace directly to the Wilkes Expedition of 1838, including ferns descended from specimens gathered during the global sea voyage. These living connections to early American exploration continue to grow in the conservatory.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: August 5, 1820

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: No

Operator: Architect of the Capitol

Part of: United States Capitol Complex

Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +12022258333

Website: https://usbg.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.88800,-77.01300

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:52