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Celebrate 100 years of bonsai at Brooklyn Botanical Garden's beautiful new exhibition
This summer, it's all about big celebrations for little trees.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden 's beloved bonsai collection turns 100—and the Garden is going all-out to honor one of the oldest and largest public bonsai displays outside Japan. From June 14 through October 19, the 'Bonsai 100' celebration will unfold with new exhibits, weekend tours, outdoor installations, workshops and even a bonsai-themed manga.
'Brooklyn Botanic Garden has been the proud caretaker of this remarkable bonsai collection for 100 years, fostering a practice that is equal parts horticulture, art, design and patience,' said Adrian Benepe, president of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 'We are excited to see even more of these miniature trees—true works of art—displayed this year, including outdoors amid full-sized trees for a stunning comparison.'
The C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum will showcase a rotating selection of these tiny marvels, including rarely seen specimens and the garden's smallest bonsai, while Magnolia Plaza will host seasonal outdoor displays. Among the headliners are a 500-year-old Rocky Mountain juniper, a Daimyo oak that cycles through four colors a year and a trident maple with roots dramatically hugging a rock.
Inside the Conservatory Gallery, The Mountain, the Tree, and the Man by graphic novelist Misako Rocks! tells the story of a bonsai's life through playful manga-style panels. The exhibit also celebrates legendary curator Frank Okamura and includes a restored 1971 short film on his work.
Weekend bonsai tours and live demos began on June 14, with monthly programming continuing through October. Fall workshops invite visitors to try their hand at the art form themselves. For those who prefer to admire with a drink in hand, Japanese-inspired fare awaits at Yellow Magnolia Café, along with a series of ticketed sake dinners in September. Shoppers can also head to Terrain for bonsai starter kits, planters and limited-edition totes featuring Okamura's illustrations.
The celebration opened this weekend with expanded exhibits, live music and guided tours and all activities are free with Garden admission unless otherwise noted. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just bonsai-curious, this is the year to go small in a big way.
