Washington - US Botanic Garden

The US Botanic Garden features an iron and glass plant museum that highlights the many uses of exotic and local plants. Its history goes back to 1820 but the existing conservatory was built in 1931.

The original core of the collection came from an international exploratory trade mission in 1842. The members brought back plants from the South Seas and the Pacific Northwest.

The US Botanic Garden hosts educational programs in the fall and spring and seasonal shows throughout the year.

The park across the street is also part of the garden. It contains a fountain created by Frédéric Bartholdi, designer of the Statue of Liberty.