I’ve been wanting to come here for years and finally was able to visit a few days ago (late December 2025).
Of course there are some incredible trees and I’m very glad to have seen it, but it’s also kind of a weird place, and feels a bit run down unfortunately. I’m sure part of it is seeing it in the winter, but also it feels kind of.. under funded? The trees on display all seemed healthy, and that’s the important part, but there was areas that were closed for the season which is probably normal.
Seeing this collection in person all in one place was still incredible. It has to be the best collection of historic trees outside of Japan.
There is also some organizational changes happening to the museum, where the National Bonsai Foundation is dissolving and the collection will be under control of the National Arboretum. What this means in practice for the grounds and collection and staff, I have no idea. I’d love to know more about it actually, and hopefully this will mean some more attention and budget for the museum.
by rootoo
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