The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University was established in 1872, is a National Historic Landmark, and one of the best preserved of Olmsted’s landscapes. Founded as a public-private partnership between the City of Boston and Harvard University, the Arnold Arboretum is a unique blend of respected research institution and beloved public park in Boston’s Emerald Necklace.

Occupying 281 acres, the Arboretum’s living collection of trees, shrubs, and woody vines is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and best documented of its kind in the world. The living collection is supported by comprehensive curatorial documentation, herbaria containing more than 1.3 million specimens, extensive library and archival holdings, and a 43,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research center. These facilities and holdings provide the basis for research and education by Harvard faculty and students, Arboretum scholars, and visiting scientists from around the world. Investigations focus on examining plant diversity from genomic, developmental, organismic, evolutionary, and ecosystem perspectives.

The Arboretum Free and open to the public every day of the year. It is a safe and accessible community resource that is utilized by thousands of visitors each year. As a university-based living collection, the Arnold Arboretum has the opportunity to share a wealth of knowledge with the public in a way that is engaging, substantive, and long-lasting. Outreach enrichment efforts include children’s education programs, adult education classes, and visitor education programs.

Guided Tours

From flowers and fragrance to fruits and textures to the bare bones of winter’s deciduous plants, the Arnold Arboretum is a dynamic landscape throughout the year! Come for a tour led by our knowledgeable docents and dedicated staff to experience the Arboretum in a new light.

Tours are geared toward the general adult visitor. Meet in front of the Hunnewell Building unless listed otherwise. Registration is requested for theme tours. All free tours are for individuals. Our regular season of free guided tours is under way. Week-end tours are on Saturdays and Sundays. Monday and Thursday weekday tours resume in September. These tours do not require registration and are great for you and a friend or two.

Open House at our Bonsai and Penjing collection occurs on select Thursdays and Sundays from 11am-1pm. See their web calendar for dates and come experience the dwarfed plant collection up close.

Food and Dining

While the Arboretum does not serve food, it is located close to many restaurants and retail food businesses in Jamaica Plain (zip code 02130), Roslindale Village (zip code 02131), and West Roxbury (zip code 02132). Stop by the Hunnewell Visitor Center for maps of local eateries. We would be pleased to help you explore nearby neighborhoods for a true taste of Boston!

The Arnold Arboretum welcomes visitors but must also protect its world-class collection of plants and historic landscape. Picnicking on the grounds is not permitted, and barbeques are prohibited.

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