Trahan Architects’ and Reed Hilderbrand’s design recognizes the collection of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, which includes trees and viewing stones from Japan, China, North America and other international locations, as one of the finest and most extensive in the world. Located within the Arboretum’s Core, the Museum is conceived as an immersive and cohesive garden experience, intended to evoke awe and wonder while also drawing connections to the larger Arboretum landscape. The Concept Design organizes the Museum’s program around a central court, which orients the visitor to a network of paths that lead to the four exhibitions, expanded classroom, and administrative services. The exhibitions, conceived as gardens rather than buildings, blur their boundaries with the larger, surrounding garden to offer continuing revelation of surprise and discovery.

The design of the Bonsai and Penjing Museum establishes a pervasive grove of understory trees as the principal image and identity of the Museum. Mixed species surround and frame the various exhibitions and the central court. The architecture is restrained and practical, deferring to the power of the bonsai.