Washington – For most of July and August 2024, the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) will shift open hours for the Conservatory to 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. From July 8 through August 30, the shifted hours will allow the USBG to replace the greenhouse glass roof in the Conservatory Garden Court.
The project will address air and water leakage as well as light levels, giving the USBG better control of environmental settings for this room’s plant collection. Additionally, reduced water dripping between the glass will improve the visitor experience. The special greenhouse glass is coated for safety and to reduce UV light.
The Garden Court showcases many specimens of the USBG’s economic plant collection, ranging from the chocolate tree (Theobroma cacao) and vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) to coffee (Coffea arabica) and bananas (Musa spp.), in addition to the Garden’s oldest living plants – historic plant specimens dating back to 1842 (Cycas rumphii and Angiopteris evecta).
The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum, growing more than 45,000 plants from across the U.S. and around the world for conservation, education, research, and display. Admission is free and tickets are not required. Additionally, on July 18 and August 15, the Garden will offer extended summer hours, staying open until 8 p.m. The USBG will return to standard Conservatory hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. beginning August 31.
To plan your visit or find upcoming educational programs, visit www.USBG.gov.
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Media contact: Devin Dotson, devin.dotson@aoc.gov, 202-306-6743
About United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States, established by Congress in 1820. The U.S. Botanic Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. With over a million visitors annually, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices. It is a living plant museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. www.USBG.gov
