The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the most beloved and iconic public gardens in New York City. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the garden covers over 50 acres and features a wide range of plants and flowers from around the world.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded in 1910, and it has grown and evolved over the years to become one of the most important and influential botanical gardens in the United States. The garden’s collections include over 14,000 different types of plants, including rare and endangered species, and its research and educational programs are internationally recognized.
One of the most popular attractions in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, a stunning and serene landscape that features a traditional Japanese garden with a koi pond, a moon bridge, and a teahouse. The garden is designed to evoke the peaceful and meditative spirit of traditional Japanese gardens, and it is a popular spot for picnics, strolls, and other outdoor activities.
Another popular attraction in the garden is the Cherry Esplanade, a long avenue that features over 200 cherry trees. The cherry trees bloom in the spring, creating a stunning display of pink and white blossoms that draws thousands of visitors each year. The garden also features a wide range of other gardens and landscapes, including the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden, which features plants and flowers mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare.
In addition to its collections and attractions, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is also known for its commitment to education and research. The garden offers a wide range of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures. The garden is also home to a number of research programs, including the Plant Collections Network, which works to conserve and protect endangered plant species from around the world.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has faced its share of challenges and controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies involved the garden’s decision to cut down a beloved magnolia tree in 2021, after it was discovered that the tree was suffering from a fungal disease. The decision sparked a heated debate about the importance of preserving iconic trees and landscapes, and it drew criticism from some visitors and supporters.
In recent years, the garden has also faced criticism for its lack of accessibility and inclusivity. Some advocates have called on the garden to make more of an effort to accommodate people with disabilities and to address issues of equity and access.
Despite these challenges, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden remains one of the most important and influential cultural institutions in New York City. Its rich collections, innovative programs, and commitment to education and research continue to inspire and engage visitors from around the world, and its ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and conservation ensure that its impact will endure for generations to come.
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FAQ's
How long does a visit take?
Seeing the entire Garden would take a full day. There are suggested itineraries for shorter visits.
What is in bloom right now? When are the cherry trees in bloom?
The Plants in Bloom page will tell you! The cherry trees typically bloom throughout April and early May. CherryWatch provides frequent updates in the spring.
Are you ever open in the evening?
Yes, the Garden is open until sunset on select days in peak season. For details, see our Hours & Admission page. Also, if you are a member, you can attend Members’ Summer Evenings on Wednesdays, 6–8:30 p.m.
Do I need a ticket?
All visitors, including children and members, need a ticket to enter. Garden members and members of affiliated organizations will show their program ID with their free ticket on entry. Tickets may be purchased at each entrance or online at bbg.org/tickets. Online tickets are available two weeks in advance. If you are feeling unwell, please postpone your visit. Use the “cancel my tickets” link on your confirmation or contact Showclix at 888-850-8718 to reschedule your visit.
Where is the entrance?
Public entrances are located at: 150 Eastern Parkway (click for map) 455 Flatbush Avenue (click for map) 990 Washington Avenue (click for map) Purchase tickets at the admission booth or have your tickets ready for scanning. Please review visitor guidelines; there is not a checkroom for items that are not allowed on the grounds. See Hours & Admission for seasonal hours. Last entry is 30 minutes before the Garden closes. Specialty gardens begin to close at this time.
What rules must all visitors follow?
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a museum of living plants. The following policies were designed to protect the plant collection and enhance the experience of all visitors. Please don’t touch plants, climb trees, pick flowers or other plant parts, or walk in plant beds. Do not feed wildlife or release animals in the Garden. Do not smoke or vape in the Garden. Service animals are permitted in the Garden; pets and emotional comfort animals are not. Leave recreational equipment (scooters, balls, bikes, etc.) at home—they are not allowed in the Garden. Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult. Only food purchased in the Garden may be consumed on-site in designated areas. (Bottled water, baby bottles, and pocket snacks for individuals with dietary restrictions are allowed.) Sitting on the lawn is permitted on Cherry Esplanade and in the Discovery Garden, Osborne Garden, and Plant Family Collection. Please see map for details. No blankets or folding chairs please. Tripods and easels are not permitted in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Conservatory, or flower beds. Please do not block paths. Drones are not permitted. Professional and wedding photography is only permitted by prior arrangement. Visit bbg.org/photography to request a permit. Use earphones for all electronic audio devices. Shirt and shoes are required. Do not share commercial marketing or leaflets of any kind in the Garden. Please read through the rest of these FAQ and other areas of the website for more detailed information on specific rules and policy. For everyone’s safety, the Garden reserves the right to deny or revoke the admission of any visitor who refuses to comply with these guidelines. Thank you for being considerate of others.
Can we bring a picnic? May we sit on the lawn?
Picnicking is not allowed at BBG. Sitting on the lawn is permitted on Cherry Esplanade and in the Discovery Garden, Osborne Garden, and Plant Family Collection.
Are strollers allowed?
Strollers are allowed on the grounds and in the Visitor Center, but not in the Steinhardt Conservatory Gallery or Garden Shop.
Are scooters, bikes, roller skates, or skateboards allowed?
No. There is no checkroom available and skates, skateboards, and scooters are not permitted. Bike racks are located near all entrances.
Are pets allowed in the Garden? What about service animals?
Pets are not allowed, but service animals are. Our accessibility guidelines provide more details.
May we climb the trees? May we pick flowers and vegetables?
Tree climbing is not allowed in order to keep both the trees and visitors safe. Please don't pick flowers or vegetables. Edible food from our Herb Garden and display gardens is donated to local charities.
Is smoking allowed?
No, smoking is prohibited throughout the Garden.
Is the entire Garden accessible to people with disabilities?
All of our entrances and most of our pathways are accessible to people in wheelchairs and those with other disabilities. Certain paths may be uneven or steep. Please see our accessibility guidelines for more information.
Where can I buy food?
Visitors to the Garden can enjoy modern, vegetable-focused cuisine in a full-service setting at Yellow Magnolia Café, casual entrées at the seasonal outdoor eatery Yellow Magnolia Canteen, or sandwiches, snacks, and drinks at the Coffee Bar at the Visitor Center.
Where are the bathrooms?
There are bathrooms in the Visitor Center, at the Flatbush Avenue entrance, on Magnolia Plaza, in the Conservatory, outside Yellow Magnolia Café, and on Lily Pool Terrace.
Do you sell plants?
Yes, the Garden Shop has a small selection of plants for sale.
Do you have daily lockers or a coat check?
No.
Can I take photographs? Can a professional photographer shoot my portrait?
In general, visitors may take nonprofessional photos for personal use. Professional photographers must adhere to our photography policy.
Can BBG be used for a commercial photo or film shoot?
Yes, but you must receive prior approval. Please see our commercial and editorial photography guidelines for details.
Can we get married at the Garden? Can I rent space for other events?
Private rentals are currently suspended. You can submit an inquiry on the Weddings and Celebrations or Private and Corporate Events pages for future updates.
I’m a teacher/camp counselor. Can I bring my students on a self-guided field trip?
A limited number of registration slots are now available for groups of up to 30 students with their teachers. Children’s groups from pre-K through high school are admitted for free as space allows. Teachers must reserve tickets in advance for these self-directed visits, and special safety protocols are currently in place. Teachers may request information to learn more.
